For Cherie Kihato, the path to success was neither straight nor easy.
As the founder of Savannah Space, a thriving business that manufactures and curates locally-made furniture and home décor in Kenya, Cherie’s story is one of faith, resilience, and vision.
Her journey from a jobless graduate to a trailblazing entrepreneur is an inspiration to many, and her impact in a traditionally male-dominated industry is nothing short of extraordinary.
In an interview with Kua Ventures, Cherie openly shares that her venture was God-ordained, a vision she attributes to her faith.
After finishing university, she found herself like many young graduates—jobless and unsure of the next steps. But in her quiet moments of journaling and prayer, the idea of Savannah Space was born. “God gave me this vision,” she says, and with nothing more than KSh 20,000 in savings, she set out to bring it to life.
Breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry
The furniture and home décor space in Kenya is often seen as men’s territory, with most workshops run by male carpenters and designers. But Cherie is determined to break the mold.
She started small, working with a local carpenter in her community to design and manufacture unique, handcrafted furniture. Despite the initial skepticism she faced as a woman in the industry, her passion, creativity, and commitment quickly shone through.
Leveraging social media for growth
One of the key drivers of Savannah Space’s growth has been social media. Cherie harnessed the power of platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase her products, connect with customers, and build her brand.
“Social media has been a game changer for us,” she says. “It allowed me to reach a wider audience without needing a huge marketing budget.”
Today, Savannah Space is not just a furniture brand but a community of home décor enthusiasts who appreciate locally-made, high-quality products.
Overcoming financial hurdles
Like many entrepreneurs, Cherie’s journey was filled with financial challenges. After using her initial savings to get started, she realized she needed more capital to scale the business. But with limited access to traditional financing, she had to think outside the box.
Her big break came when she joined Sinapis, an entrepreneurial training program that equips founders with the skills and networks they need to grow. Through Sinapis, she was introduced to Kua Ventures, where she secured her first investment.
“The Kua Ventures community has been incredibly helpful,” Cherie says. “Not only did they provide financial backing, but they also offered mentorship and strategic guidance that helped me take Savannah Space to the next level.”
Making an impact locally
What sets Savannah Space apart isn’t just the beautiful furniture and décor pieces—it’s the impact the business has on the local community. Cherie started with just two in-house fundis (carpenters), and today that number has grown to thirteen skilled carpenters who work in her workshop. Additionally, her showroom team has expanded to now include four dedicated team members.
“When someone supports a made-in Kenya brand, you can see the physical impact that has on the community. I want to create something that would support local talent and uplift the community,” Cherie explains.
Through her business, these craftsmen have gained financial independence, and the furniture they create tells the story of Kenyan culture and craftsmanship. The growth of Savannah Space is not just a reflection of Cherie’s entrepreneurial success, but a testament to the collaborative effort of the local artisans who bring her vision to life.
Facing challenges with resilience
Cherie’s journey hasn’t been without its share of obstacles. From navigating financial struggles to dealing with her own doubts, she says her only option has been leaning and trusting God.
“Entrepreneurship is not easy,” she says.
“This is my first time running a business. There are days when I question if it’s all worth it. But I believe in the vision that God gave me and keep pushing through. Challenges are part of the process, and each one teaches you something valuable.”
Looking ahead
As Savannah Space continues to grow, Cherie remains focused on scaling the business while staying true to its core values—quality, community, and creativity. Her vision for the future includes expanding Savannah Space’s product offerings and continuing to support local artisans.
“I’m excited about what’s next,” she says. “There’s so much potential, and I believe we’re just getting started.”
To other entrepreneurs, Cherie’s advice is simple:
“Start with what you have.” She adds, “I didn’t have much when I started, just faith and a small savings account. But I was committed to the vision and kept going even when things got tough. Don’t be afraid to start small.”
She also emphasizes the importance of building a support network.
“Find communities that can nurture your growth,” she says. “Whether it’s through mentorship, training, or even just advice from other entrepreneurs, having people around you who understand your journey can make all the difference.”