Joy Ofili-Yebovi, the CEO and Creative Director of Simplinteriors and Decor, has become a trailblazer in Nigeria’s furniture manufacturing industry. She also founded the Simplinterior School of Interior Design and Entrepreneurship, where she shares her knowledge with budding designers. With a background in Industrial Design from Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Ofili-Yebovi has combined her passion for quality craftsmanship with an unwavering commitment to creating furniture that fuses African aesthetics with practicality and durability.
Ofili-Yebovi’s early interest in arts and designs
Growing up, Joy Ofili-Yebovi developed a deep passion for art and design, which guided her toward a degree in Industrial Design. After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Central Bank of Nigeria, where she gained valuable experience in banking, she realised that her true calling lay in interior decoration.
In 2007, she founded Simplinteriors and Decor, driven by a vision to offer locally crafted furniture combining style and function. Her company became known for bespoke products, from wooden beds and dining tables to uniquely designed lamps and cushions, all incorporating African-inspired designs. These distinctive pieces have set her apart in a market dominated by imported alternatives.
The success of Simplinteriors is mainly due to Ofili-Yebovi’s unyielding dedication to quality. She ensures every piece is meticulously crafted, using premium materials such as solid beech wood and African linen. While locally made furniture often comes with a higher price tag, she explains that this reflects the customisation and superior quality she insists on.
She also values customer service, personally communicating with clients and offering her contact details on promotional materials. That fosters a deeper connection with customers, making them feel valued and appreciated during their experience with her company.
Ofili-Yebovi faces business hurdles
Building a business in Nigeria hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles Yebovi encountered was securing funding. Banks in the country are often reluctant to provide loans to small businesses, especially when the vision may not be immediately clear to lenders. Power supply issues also presented a significant challenge.
Due to frequent outages in the Nigerian market, the designer has had to rely on fuel-powered generators, adding considerable costs to her operations. Another obstacle was finding skilled artisans passionate about furniture making. To overcome this, Ofili-Yebovi has trained her employees and created the Simplinterior School of Interior Design, empowering others with the skills to thrive in the industry.
Her business philosophy is deeply rooted in her belief in empowering women. She is a vocal advocate for women and strives to set an example for her daughter and young girls across Nigeria. Joy Ofili-Yebovi believes financial independence is key to a woman’s personal growth and success. Through her achievements, she has shown that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated industries as she continues to mentor young women, providing them with the tools and knowledge to follow in her footsteps.
