At just 32, Charles Nwaerema, founder of Decoros Design, is proving that with creativity, persistence, and the willingness to start from scratch, anything is possible. Based in Port Harcourt, his custom epoxy resin furniture brand has grown from an idea sparked online to a full-fledged business redefining modern African craftsmanship.
We sat down with Charles to hear his start-up story, raw, real, and rooted in purpose.
Dtimes: What inspired you to start a custom-built furniture brand, and how did you go about turning your vision into a reality?
Charles: Honestly, my inspiration came from social media and some European designs I came across during my university years. I’ve always had an eye for design, but I never thought I’d be the one making furniture myself. I worked a regular 9-5 job for a while, but deep down, I knew I had more to offer creatively. I started researching epoxy resin furniture and realized it wasn’t popular in Nigeria. That made it even more exciting, I wanted to pioneer something new here.
Dtimes: Can you describe the early challenges you faced in sourcing materials and building a team for your brand?
Charles: One of the biggest challenges was that nobody around me really understood what I was trying to do. Even seasoned furniture makers had no clue about epoxy work. I had zero carpentry experience, so I was learning everything from scratch. A lot of the international creators I admired used tools and materials I couldn’t access here. So, I had to get creative, source locally, improvise, and find alternatives that could still deliver great results.
Dtimes: What role does customer input play in the design and creation of your custom pieces?
Charles: A big one. Our clients have pushed us into areas we hadn’t explored before. For example, we didn’t originally offer kitchen counters or flooring, but client requests made us look into it. They sometimes challenge us with new ideas or styles we wouldn’t have tried on our own. We’re also very transparent about what we can and can’t do, we don’t want any “what I ordered vs what I got” situations. We tailor the process based on how involved the customer wants to be. Some prefer regular updates; others want to see the finished product when it’s ready.
Dtimes: How do you manage the logistics of scaling a custom-built business that typically requires a lot of hands-on work?
Charles: We’re still growing, and while we plan to expand into a showroom eventually, right now, Instagram is our main marketing tool. It’s served us well and continues to bring in clients. We’re also considering adding TikTok soon to reach more people.
Dtimes: Can you share an experience where you had to design something completely out of your comfort zone? How did it turn out?
Charles: There was a project for a local government about two years ago. They needed a 30-foot U-shaped conference table to seat around 40 people. It wasn’t the design that was challenging, it was the size. We didn’t have the space to build something that big. I almost backed out, but the client had faith in us. We pulled it off, though we didn’t get to see it set up or even get feedback photos due to security policies at their office. Still, it’s one of our proudest accomplishments.
Dtimes: What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before starting your own furniture brand?
Charles: I wish someone had told me how financially demanding this industry is. It’s not for the weak-minded. You need the right tools and the right team, even if it’s a small one. That foundation makes a world of difference. Having access to proper equipment and skilled hands can really accelerate your growth.
Dtimes: Where do you see your furniture brand in the next five years, and what legacy do you hope to leave in this industry?
Charles: In five years, I see Decoros Design branching into other epoxy art sectors, like flooring and kitchen cabinetry, while perfecting the furniture we already make. I want us to be the top name in epoxy furniture in Nigeria and maybe Africa. More than that, I want to be remembered as one of the pioneers of this craft here. I hope young creatives see my journey and realize you don’t have to be an expert to start. Just begin. Be consistent. Keep working. Trends change, challenges will come, but you just have to keep pushing.
Dtimes: Charles, thank you for sharing your journey with us. We’re excited to see what’s next for Decoros Design.
Charles: Thank you for having me.
Fun Fact: Remember Big Brother Naija’s Level-Up season? That sleek dining table in Level 2? Yep, Decoros Design made it. See here.
Check out more works by Decoros Design on Instagram @decoros_design and give them a follow.
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