Don’t Wait for Your Dream Job—Build It, Like We Built This Lampshade

Have you ever wondered what it takes to create something from scratch? Not just an idea or a plan, but something tangible, like a wooden table lamp. Seems like an odd place to start, right? Well, that’s exactly what my team and I did—and trust me, it’s more rewarding than you might think!

This year, after our offsite, we faced a challenge that none of us saw coming: a DIY workshop where we would craft our own wooden table lamp. Led by SF Duka (https://sfduka.com/), a group of artisans with a knack for turning raw materials into beautiful creations, the experience was eye-opening in more ways than one. I couldn’t wait to share the story with you, because what we learned that day goes far beyond woodworking.

The workshop was held at the stunning Ikigai Lower Kabete (https://ikigai.co.ke/lower-kabete/), a co-working space in Nairobi set within five acres of lush forest. Picture it: the serenity of towering trees, birds serenading the morning, and playful monkeys leaping from branch to branch. It was the perfect backdrop for creativity. But what made the day unforgettable wasn’t just the location—it was the process.

As SF Duka finished setting up, they handed us the tools of the trade: 48 wooden fillets, a hammer, white glue, a carpenter’s square, aprons, and even safety goggles and respirators. It felt like we were about to build something monumental. But when the real work started, it became clear that this was no quick, easy project. Each piece of wood had to be perfectly angled, glued, and nailed together with precision. For a bunch of amateurs like us, it was a test of patience and focus.

The rhythm of the hammer, the smell of fresh wood, and the careful alignment of each piece—it all became a sort of meditation. As the lampshade took shape, we started to see it wasn’t just about assembling wood. It was about understanding the value of craftsmanship, learning a new skill, and, most importantly, pushing ourselves beyond what we thought we could do.

But why am I telling you about a DIY wooden table lamp? Because there’s a bigger lesson here—a lesson about work, life, and opportunity.

SF Duka didn’t sit idly, waiting for success to be handed to them. They didn’t dream of a perfect job landing in their lap—they carved their own path with both hands and heart. Fuelled by a deep passion for design and craftsmanship, they transformed that passion into a flourishing business. Now, they’re not just creating; they’re teaching, offering hands-on workshops to global powerhouses like Microsoft, Feel Good Therapies, Beads and Stones, and Beauty Hives. In an economy where many wait for doors to open, SF Duka built their own. That is what truly captivated me—the audacity to create opportunities where none exist. Their story serves as a reminder: to forge ahead, you must be willing to invest. For an individual, this investment is KES 15,700 (NGN 196,787.56)—the cost of attending one of their transformative DIY workshops.

But the real lesson here? This wasn’t just about building a wooden table lamp. It was about building something more substantial—creativity, resilience, and the courage to chart your own course. SF Duka’s journey showed us that waiting for the perfect opportunity can only get you so far. Sometimes, you must go out and build it yourself. With skill, professionalism, and the willingness to think differently, they turned their passion into something valuable.

And that’s the message I want to leave with you today. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a young professional, or someone contemplating a career shift—don’t wait for the world to hand you a seat at the table. Build your own. Start something that reflects your passion, be it a business, a project, or even a side hustle. The power to shape your future is entirely in your hands. Just like that wooden table lamp, your dream career won’t magically appear—you have to craft it, piece by piece, with dedication and intention.

And who knows? What you create may not only illuminate your own path but also inspire and light the way for thousands of others on their journeys.

#diy #woodworking #teambuilding