Investing in decor

Determination, hard work and passion are the qualities that enabled Mirriam Kamoto to make a name for herself in the business world of exterior and interior decorations and art work.

The 52-year -old sells and decorates various items at Trade Fair grounds in Blantyre.

Kamoto owns a shop called Tayamiko Investments where she stocks ceramics, sand decorations, wood craft paper craft hand dyed material which are locally made with a few imported covered with local and natural material.

Her exploits saw the entrepreneur being invited to showcase her products in Botswana.

“People outside Malawi were impressed with my products and I got an invitation to go to Botswana to exhibit my products, but I did not manage to go because of other circumstances. I still look at the invitation as an achievement.

“This business has made me realise that it is not only working for big companies that can bring food on the table. Self-employment, too, has the potential to sustain one’s life. There are a lot of untapped resources in the country. Let us make use of such resources,” she says.

Kamoto says she will live to remember the time she received best small and medium enterprise and best manufacturer awards in the 25th and 26th Malawi International Trade Fair, respectively.

“These awards have been my motivation. Each time I look at them I feel proud of myself knowing that my tireless efforts have paid off and making me believe that I can do more,” she says.

Kamoto was also nominated by Africa Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (Awep) to pick five of her products which will be showcased in United States of America.

The entrepreneur, who claims to have invested over K20 million in the business, says looking at the current performance of the business, the investment was worth it.

“I have invested more in this business but I do rather feel proud looking at the outcome. I am able to capture both local and international customers, which to me is a great achievement.

“I want to promote Malawian art outside Malawi. We want people to develop love and appreciate art, Kamoto says.

Looking forward, Kamoto says she sees her business growing bigger and art being appreciated locally.

“We are still growing and I am hoping for more in terms of business. Malawian companies have stated recognising us. We are yet to sign a final document will La Carvena Art Gallery to do some art painting for them,” she says.