How Rollex Amollah Built His Furniture Biz In Gikomba
In Gikomba, Nairobi’s largest open-air market, Rollex Amollah is building more than just furniture, he’s building a future from a hustle that began with borrowed cash and big dreams.
Rollex, a skilled carpenter and designer, runs a furniture and design business offering a range of custom pieces including beds, chairs, and tables.
“Naweka bidii kwa kazi yangu, and customers wanarudi because they trust what I do,” he says proudly.
His journey began out of necessity. “I just needed to hustle and earn a living,” Rollex explains. Without enough capital to start, he borrowed money to buy tools and timber but it paid off. After displaying a few pieces of his work, people walking by took notice. “Customers came after seeing my work. Watu walikuwa impressed na designs,” he shares.
Now, most of his business comes from referrals. Rollex attributes his loyal customer base to doing “nice and timely jobs.” He adds, “Ata kama uko na design kali, if you delay or mess up, customers won’t come back. Mimi hua very careful with timelines.”
He says what he loves most about his hustle is the freedom it gives him. “I make a living, I’m my own boss, and every day I get to try something new. Kazi ni creative and adventurous,” he explains. But it's not always easy. He faces stiff competition from many other furniture makers and still struggles with limited capital to grow the business.
Rollex says after joining MESH, his mindset and network expanded. “Demand imeincrease. Mesh imeni-help kujua more about satisfying customers and marketing my hustle to more people,” he says.
His advice to other young people trying to start a business is simple but powerful: “Just start something. Ata kama ni small, anza tu. Hustle haianzi na millions.”
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