A decent sofa or couch can be expensive, most people will say. Enter bean bag chairs, that are not only more affordable, but also extremely comfortable. Said to have been around since the 70s, they are one of the easiest ways to add seating to a room when you’re on a tight budget. 

Their soft and spongy interior suits the body shape of whoever sits in them. So there’s no denying they’re incredibly comfortable for sitting and even a nap. These chairs are not that common in homes in Rwanda, and Bean Bags Kigali, a rising local company that manufactures bean bag chairs, is hoping to change that. The Kabeza located firm was founded by Paula Annette Jabiro and her business partner, Happy Cleopatra Muteteri.

Having completed their studies at African Leadership University, towards graduation, the duo sought an occupation to keep them busy and make a living from before applying for jobs of their choice.

They both wanted to venture into something they were passionate about, yet unique. They, therefore, carried out research and noticed that local bean bags weren’t on the market and the few companies that sold them locally, imported them. They discovered a gap to fill.

Happy Cleopatra Muteteri 

Jabiro notes that considering they weren’t skilled, they opted for ways to learn thus checking Amazon where they saw how bean bags were filled, it’s through that, that they were able to start their own company in 2021.   

While making the chairs, the businesswomen sew covers and also use EPS beads (polystyrene) to fill them.

They say that since they started the venture early, they weren’t able to put some savings aside for capital, but their first client paid an advance fee that they used to start. Through advance fees from clients, they have been able to grow their business.

Although they have stock, the duo is open to custom-made seats as well. Jabiro says that operating a business has taught them skills such as management, accountability, networking, and communication.

The businesswomen add that although there is some competition in this kind of business, they have utilised online presence by posting their products, engaging their clients, and welcoming feedback.

However, they also say that making their prices affordable has kept them outstanding, and a way to attract more customers.  

Paula Annette Jabiro  

Just like any business, their journey isn’t all rosy, the two say that they lack the machines to make their work better and faster, but have hopes of accessing them as the business grows.

"Starting this business was challenging because most people were used to having different seats like sofas and others, adapting to bean bags is still a process,” they say.

However, the women add that those that have experienced their seats give positive feedback, a thing that keeps them more interested to serve the public.   

The business partners anticipate bringing in new fabric that is water-resistant and can also be used at the beach, and other places, and is suitable for kids.

The duo has been able to employ nine part-time workers, eight in the production, and one tailor. 

According to Jabiro, bean bags can be used as furniture, beds, pets’ resting area, camera stand, and so forth.

Experts say that bean bags can be therapeutic devices, as autistic people love this kind of furniture because it provides them with enough pressure and helps them relax as they concentrate.

The businesswomen say that bean bags are advantageous as compared to other furniture because they are cheap (their prices range from Rwf 30,000 to 70,000). They are also comfortable for sitting or sleeping in, they are light and portable which makes them easy to carry wherever you wish.

"They are also stylish because they can be got in different sizes, shapes, colours, and patterns, and can be placed inside or outside any room. Bean bags are also easy to clean, can work for both home and office,” the business partners say.