Startup Story
Everyone loves to receive a handcrafted gift that has been made with love and care. In Angola, entrepreneur Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel, founder of Welila Cantelier, is creating unique gifts for children that are delighting parents and little ones alike.
LoA found out more this month, speaking to founder Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel.
What does your company do?
Crafts.
“A love for handicrafts was the basis of my inspiration to start a business, unemployment was another reason.”
What inspired you to start your company?
A love for handicrafts was the basis of my inspiration to start a business, unemployment was another reason. I found myself with the need to create what I always wanted, and I am committed to this dream.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
What makes my product or business special is the fact that it brings joy and satisfaction to those who receive a piece made by me ... nothing makes me happier, when a client sends me the photo of the recipient.
Tell us a little about your team
In the beginning it was me and one of my sisters, we bought t-shirts and made jewelry (necklaces, earrings and bracelets) ... after a while we gave up. Two years later, I decided to return, with items produced for children. I love my work with a passion ... I started making ties and turbans, and a few months later I added my love for making dolls. Two years later, I don't see myself doing anything else ... at this moment my team is “I".
“What makes my product or business special is the fact that it brings joy and satisfaction to those who receive a piece made by me.”
“My plans and aspirations are to be able to expand my work to the 18 provinces and who knows, even abroad.”
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My trip through the business world has not been easy, it is very difficult to get raw material in Angola. I resort to the informal markets for lack of options. I already gave up once ... but I came back determined not to give up on my trip. I love each of the stages that I go through and I thank God.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My plans and aspirations are to be able to expand my work to the 18 provinces and who knows, even abroad. I have already sent my work to the USA, Portugal, Brazil and Mozambique ... I want to see my products a little everywhere in the world.
“My greatest satisfaction is to see that despite the difficulties I encounter, in order to do more elaborate work, I manage to create pieces that enchant hearts.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
My greatest satisfaction is to see that despite the difficulties I encounter, in order to do more elaborate work, I manage to create pieces that enchant hearts, for adults and children. Nothing tastes so good as hearing feedback from a client, for example “Wow .. .God bless your handiwork, I love it.”
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The greatest advice I can give to all women who want to start is that they never give up, that they believe in themselves, have focus and determination. Because with hard work and the will to win, we can do everything. Remember, nothing falls from the sky.
Contact or follow Welila Cantelier
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL welkilambalmeidamanuel79@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
What better reason for starting a business than by having a passion for handicrafts and the creative talent to produce wonderful items that customers want to buy. Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel is one of those entrepreneurs who brings joy to the faces of her customers through her work, particularly children. Her dolls are winning over small child fans of her work who love what she produces. This is a business with a warm heart and a real understanding of what customers want. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa