Wilhelmina Iimene
The interior design industry always blooms with new ideas, colours, styles and trends.
And contrary to popular belief, interior designers do a lot more than simply selecting colours, fabrics and furniture.
They research, plan, co-ordinate and manage interior design projects in collaboration with the designers – and most importantly, with clients.
Owner of Emporium Collection Namibia Rebekka Shuuya, who is a medical doctor by profession, knows all too well how much the client’s satisfaction is important.
“Your home and your office should tell the story of who you are and be a collection of pieces you love,” said the determined doctor, who enjoys filling up spaces with beautiful items that help make people happy.
Emporium Collection Namibia, an extension of the mother company based in South Africa, has over 22 years of experience in bespoke furniture, tailor-made accent pieces, décor and outdoor furniture.
The South African company is a world-class supplier to regional and international markets, and it boasts a supply chain of 73 stores in South Africa.
Shuuya said the opportunity to open the Namibian store presented itself when they were considering the void in niche furniture customisation in the Land of the Brave.
“We harness local skills of artisans and artists to produce timeless accent furniture pieces of enduring quality.
You can feel the hand of the craftsmen in every unique piece,” she assured with enthusiasm and pride, adding they aim to build lasting partnerships with artisans and craftsmen.
Emporium decorates private residences as well as commercial spaces such as offices, hotels, cafes and restaurants.
“We cater to a select market of customers who appreciate the contours and luxury we create through the hands of the artisans and the techniques they use to create masterpieces,” she explained.
Shuuya started her design journey by searching for traditional items of the highest quality with impeccable and authentic craftsmanship.
Her design style reflects the use of fine quality material and beautiful craftsmanship, inspiring Emporium to achieve nothing short of perfection.
The vibrant entrepreneur strives to bring to Namibia a unique offering of products – from artwork and lighting to upholstery and furniture.
Her passion and observation of her natural environments and intrinsic desire to delight customers create a winning recipe for it.
“In establishing the local Namibian brand, the design cycle involves careful selection of the finest raw materials. The artistry of decoration follows and is working to invent new, timeless masterpieces,” the passionate woman describes her new venture.
The vision for Emporium Collection Namibia is to ensure the flawless execution of luxury in every detail.
Among the many hats Shuuya wears, she is an internal medicine physician at the Katutura State Hospital, and a part-time lecturer of Internal Medicine at the University of Namibia School of Medicine.
She has a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Cape Town, and she is a fellow with the College of Physicians in South Africa.
Follow Shuuya on Instagram @emporiumcollectionnamibia.
She has opened a showroom at the Metro Building Complex in Kleine Kuppe.
Showroom visits or consultations are made only by appointment.
– imenewilly@gmail.com