The furniture sector is a dynamic and evolving industry driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the growing demand for sustainable and innovative designs. As globalization reshapes market dynamics, furniture businesses increasingly seek to expand their reach beyond local borders. Demi Samande, founder of Majeurs Chesterfield, is at the forefront of this transformation, skillfully navigating the global furniture market with her unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics. By merging her architectural expertise with a keen understanding of diverse cultural influences, she is creating bespoke pieces that resonate with clients worldwide while celebrating the richness of African design.
As a toddler, Demi Samande relocated to the UK with her parents and later studied Architecture at London Metropolitan University. After graduating in 2010, she became interested in furniture restoration while staying home and salvaging old, worn-out pieces from local markets and second-hand shops. This hobby allowed her to apply her architectural skills on a smaller, more personal scale, experimenting with various materials and techniques to hone her craft.
What began as a personal project to refresh her home soon grew larger. Samande started buying damaged furniture, restoring it, and selling it for profit. Influenced by her architectural background, her unique designs quickly attracted attention, leading friends and family to request custom pieces. This growing demand set the stage for a more substantial business.
In 2011, Demi Samande launched Majeurs Chesterfield (now called Majuer Holdings), a luxury furniture manufacturing company specializing in bespoke, high-quality, hand-crafted leather and fabric upholstery. She envisioned creating furniture that merged elegance and functionality, emphasising timeless design.
In 2015, Samande experienced a significant breakthrough when Prince Charles visited her London studio. That same year, she showcased her work at 10 Downing Street, the official residence and office of the UK Prime Minister. Meeting former Prime Minister David Cameron significantly boosted her business profile.
Over time, Majeurs Chesterfield evolved from a small-scale operation into a well-known brand recognized for blending classic and contemporary styles into beautiful, functional pieces. Its clients span Europe and beyond.
After spending 30 years in the UK, Samande relocated back to Nigeria. By 2016, she moved the company’s headquarters to Surulere, Lagos, expanding the business to serve the African market. Leveraging her extensive experience in the British furniture market, she collaborated with skilled local artisans to grow her brand in a burgeoning market. Initially, she studied the culture of the Nigerian furniture market to win the trust of local customers, achieving this quickly.
Samande’s efforts paid off as Majeurs Chesterfield gained recognition in Nigerian and foreign markets for its unique designs and high-quality furniture. Her business caters to a diverse clientele seeking bespoke pieces that reflect luxury and culture.
The creative founder believes furniture should be aesthetically pleasing, durable, and ethically made. To uphold this standard, Majeurs Chesterfield uses eco-friendly materials and processes to reduce waste in production. She selects the finest materials, employs skilled artisans, and prioritizes quality in every aspect of her production process.
The businesswoman has ambitious aspirations for Majeurs Chesterfield, including diversifying the brand’s product lines and introducing new collections. She also established Majeurs Academy, a training initiative to reduce the skill deficit in African manufacturing by providing practical, hands-on learning for young people. The academy is a part of the larger Majeurs Holdings.
Since establishing her business in Nigeria, Demi Samande has created numerous job opportunities for artisans and craftsmen trained in traditional furniture-making techniques. This preserves cultural heritage and equips them with valuable skills that enhance their employability in the growing furniture industry.
Her mantra is, “Create pieces that tell a story and last a lifetime.” This philosophy encapsulates her approach to furniture design and entrepreneurship, reminding us that every creation is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities.
Additional reporting by Ishioma Imokhai-Bello.
