Female furniture maker and Interior designer, Munira Shonibare, has said although it is tough, the challenging times force people to get innovative.
Shonibare who began her career as an interior design consultancy firm in 1987, quickly saw a reason to expand into furniture making when she did not get the quality décor pieces she requested from Nigerian furniture businesses at the time. Ten years later, she runs a furniture production line of 30 employees, that has expanded today, to include a young design team, attracting young home owners and entrepreneurs, attesting to the fact that there is market in Nigeria for home-made furniture.
Shonibare said he is impressed with ingeniousness found in today’s furniture industry, where makers infuse ethnic influences to create statement furniture pieces. “when I went to Miliki, I saw furniture makers use mortars to craft glass side-tables, and I thought that was ingenious. People are using tires as storage boxes, coffee table with wheels. Exciting things are taking place, and I am hoping to collaborate with some of the artists,” said the enthusiastic Shonibare.
One of her means of networking with art lovers and designers is through her shopping art party, a mid-to-end of year event, she had pushed to December this year. She is however, determined to keep the May event open, to celebrate labourers and clients, who make up the design business. She said, “What better way to celebrate workers day or Labour Day than to bring in the clients to the workers and show them what the workers do.”
Munira Shonibare is the CEO of IO Furniture. Established with the main objective of empowering local industries by investing in local talent and products. A full-service interior design and manufacturing company characterized by uncompromising quality and innovative design solutions. With innovation, functionality, and style at the heart and soul of the company, IO Furniture Ltd delivers perfection consistently. From signature classics to custom project designs the brand continues to build a stellar reputation for excellence, quality, reliability and integrity.
For further inquiries ; follow IO Furniture Ltd on Instagram on @IOFurnitureLtd or email at service@iofurnitureltd.com
