Sandile Khaya Nkalatya is a self-taught furniture manufacturer, but his designs are excellent.
A God-given carpentry gift has earned a merchant sales specialist at one of the well-recognised banks in the country, a name in many homes across Gauteng.
Sandile Khaya Nkalatya (46) has never sat foot at any educational institution to study carpentry, but his artistic skill speaks volumes and shame many with degrees in this field.
The Florida-based owner of LMK Kitchens said:
Furniture manufactured by Sandile Khaya Nkalatya
Taking us further on what made his love for carpentry to grow, Nkalatya said: “For some time I felt a void in me that I was not doing anything else except working as a full-time employee in the bank. In 2008, I hired a friend to come and install wardrobes in my flat. His design was excellent and so was the installation and that made me to fall in love with carpentry. Since then, I have never looked back.”
In 2009, he decided to start a furniture business and it focusses on production of kitchen cupboards and wardrobes. The company provides its services to clients around Gauteng. Their services are installation of kitchen cupboards, wardrobes, vanities, TV stands, shopfitting, bedroom suits, dining room and lounge suits.
When the business started in 2009, Nkalatya was more hands on at the warehouse, designing furniture for clients. But as the business grew, he hired employees to be more hands on in the business whilst he continues with his 8am to 4pm day to day duties at the bank. All he does now is to oversee the business.
It was not easy for Nkalatya when the business started.
Nkalatya said:
Some of Sandile Khaya Nkalatya’s furniture collection.
Nkalatya’s company also offers electrical, plumbing and painting services, installation of tiles and ceiling.
“These are not the focus of the business but are the things that we provide inhouse so we can holistically cater for our clients. We work with a team of four carpenters, four tile layer, one plumber and electrician and driver who is a team manager. We have been operating since 2009. We are getting clients through word of mouth. Apart from that we have managed to secure two main contracts as sub-contractors where we install kitchens and wardrobes in complex and private houses,” said Nkalatya.
Speaking about his job at the bank he said: “As a merchant sales specialist we work in the business banking space. We provide businesses with payment solutions, such as swipe machines, online payment platforms (ecommerce payment gateways,) integrated payment systems for big stores.”
Nkalatya, who is deeply in love with his wife and mother of their two sons, holds a diploma in marketing. He studied toward Business Management Degree at Damelin. He is also a second-year student, at Word and Life Academy studying toward a Diploma in Theology.
