Is it possible to illuminate fifty different shades of light from recycled objects?
An emphatic YES! Lighthouse has proved that light from recycled products can be used to decorate people’s individual and intimate spaces to make them unique and artistic.
Zinhle Nkosi, a 22 year old female artist from Kliptown, Soweto introduced this concept in 2013 as a project to exhibit how fifty different lights can be produced from waste. Public reaction was so overwhelming that she decided to turn her passion into a full-fledged business. And it was a point of no return.
So, what is the fuss about the mesmerising innovation?
Nkosi expounds: “Lighthouse is a combination of craft and modernisation, employing unconventional materials to give unexpected shapes and designs. Precisely, it breaks down the traditional boundaries between craft and functional designs.”
For all the adulation, Lighthouse is yet to turn into a full commercial enterprise, Nkosi says. This is down to financial constraints and insufficient marketing, which has resulted in a small clientele base, she explains. “It is difficult to run Lighthouse as a business at this stage. Hopefully, things will improve.” But this is one upbeat and determined woman and she will prevail.
Owing to Lighthouse’s limited resources, the company has a lean staff of six and does not have intentions of employing more people soon, instead focus is on skills development. “As part of our skills development drive, we have organised workshops with different age groups,” Nkosi says.
Lighthouse’s capital equipment inventory includes grinders, drillers, jigsaw and other primary machines. Depending on the availability the company will invest in additional equipment.
At this juncture, the Lighthouse is taking what Nkosi calls “baby steps”, moving from gallery to gallery to capture attention of lovers of art who could willing to pay for its true worth. The company is aspiring to be a reputable brand as the provider of light from recycled products. Truly, at some point the baby steps will be giant strides. It’s just a matter of time.
For prospective entrepreneurs, Nkosi is very frank about the hardwork that lies ahead. “In my opinion, I should say from my experience, a business is like a child. Once you have a child, it will forever be your responsibility no matter at what age…So, it is a full time job that needs your 101%+ attention. If you are not a patient and dedicated person, your child will never be healthy and happy, just like business.”
Growing up in a deprived area where access to proper sanitation and electricity were a luxury one could barely think of, creativity become Nkosi’s refuge from her surroundings’ despondency. “Instead of complaining about poor service, I decided to produce what I didn’t have. Those were the origins of Lighthouse,” she recalls. This woman is bound for greatness!
