Mbango the self- taught carpenter
Many assume that once they get a job, that’s it.
Unlike them, Christof Mbango, a Geography and English teacher in the Ohangwena region, started his own business, although he already has a job. During lockdown in 2020 when he was confined indoors and had nothing to do, the 28-year-old managed to make a coffee table out of pallets with the help of YouTube tutorial
videos, and has not looked back since. He then established his side hustle of carpentry in July 2021.
“Nova Interiors fall under Nova Enterprises, which comprises three other businesses, namely Nova Events and Rentals, Nova Academics, and Nova Laundry Services; and they’re all under my name,” he told Youth Corner proudly.
Under Nova Interiors, he designs and manufactures interior furniture such as coffee tables, TV units, shoe racks, wardrobes, built-in cabinets, side tables, mirrors and more interior furniture that his clients would request.
Mbango also rents out furniture for large events like weddings and funerals, and besides renting, assists with event decoration.
The young man is also a qualified author of school notes, having created ‘Geography Teaching and Learning Materials’, which
comprise notes, exercises and assessments for grades 8 to 11.
“Our Geography materials are widely used across the country. We also do Geography tutorials for teachers and learners,” said Mbango.
He currently works alone, but plans to employ qualified individuals once the carpentry products become more in demand.
On how he manages both jobs at the same time, Mbango said it is difficult, but he prioritises teaching, ensuring that all tasks are completed, and then he attends to Nova Interiors.
“I don’t get much rest, and I am always up and down. But, hey, it’s a job, so you’ve got to push through,” he continued.
His dream is to become one of the best, quality and biggest interior furniture companies in Namibia.