A devastating house fire that destroyed his home and business equipment could have ended Sithembiso Mthembu’s entrepreneurial dreams. Instead, the 29-year-old rebuilt his furniture business and recently took second place in the 2026 iLembe Chamber’s The Entrepreneur programme.

The Mandeni entrepreneur founded Nuevo Design Co in his garage in 2022, initially offering laser engraving and cutting services. Inspired by his mother, who runs a perfume business, he has since expanded into manufacturing affordable, stylish furniture at Isithebe Industrial Estate.

The company designs and manufactures modern furniture, including bedside tables and coffee tables with built-in wireless charging stations.

Its range includes bedside tables from R1 500 each or R2 500 a pair, wardrobes from R2 500 and chests of drawers from R3 000. The company uses PG Bison boards and advanced joinery systems to make durable furniture.

“People often joke about buying a wardrobe only for it to break before you even manage to get it through the front door! But behind that joke is a genuine market problem. I realised there was an opportunity to offer consumers better-quality furniture without necessarily charging premium-market prices,” he said.

Mthembu suffered a major setback in June 2024 when a fire destroyed his home and business equipment. An electrical fault is suspected to have caused the blaze, which also affected several neighbouring homes.

With assistance from Mandeni municipality, the KZN economic development, tourism and environmental affairs department and his business savings, he was able to rebuild.

“Today, we’ve moved beyond the garage operation and established our manufacturing facility at Isithebe Industrial Estate. It’s been quite a journey, but we’re still here, and we’re growing.”

Mthembu said The Entrepreneur programme helped him identify weaknesses in his business and develop a clearer vision for its future.

“Ultimately, the programme helped me transition from thinking primarily as a product maker to thinking more strategically as a business owner.”

Nuevo Design Co currently employs three people and Mthembu hopes to grow the business while creating more jobs and training opportunities for the youth.

“I would encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on solving real problems. A business should be built around creating value for people, not simply around the desire to make money.”

Customers can order through Nuevo Design Co’s Facebook page or WhatsApp 064 396 7090. Delivery is available within the iLembe District.