Beatha Shitemba, 33 years of age was inspired to start her own nursery business specializing in bedding and curtains, after she realized how challenging it was for new moms such as herself to get the items they want for their child’s nursery. Nels Babies an on line based company specializing in custom made bedding and curtains for boy, girls and neutral. Before getting into this business Shitemba did some research and she found out that Africa’s birth rates are still the highest in the world and the continent is experiencing a growing middle class. So she realized it would a good idea for her to capitalize in this market in the long run.
“What makes the bedding different from others is the patterns. The fabric that we use is very different from what you could find in other shops and our products are hand made with 100% cotton. Most of the products are set at pricing that is pushed up by the fact that only high quality end fabric is used that is shipped in from the USA. However there are line that are much cheaper as the fabric s soured from Namibian outlets”, she said. Even though she went into business early this year, Shitemba started manufacturing her products a few years ago already. She is a part-time business woman and she works full time for a local bank, with her business running on her sole expertise.
“I’m going to have to look into employing a seamstress who specifically makes bedding because at the moment, my seamstress makes wedding gowns. She is busy with bridesmaid dresses and other things. I realized in order to increase my turnaround time, I’ll need to employ someone who’s a seamstress for only me,” she said.
She also added that she will need to employ other people who will be working with suppliers, marketing and customer orders, among other tasks. Her company was initially targeted at Namibian local market but Shitemba plans to take the brand beyond the country’s borders. At the moment she is looking for opportunities outside Namibia and is in negotiations with a South African boutique that is showing interest.
