From unemployment to award-winning entrepreneur

KWANDE FEST 2026 TRAILBLAZER

From Unemployment to Award-Winning Craftsmanship: The Story of Mr Mongi Nkonyeni

In KwaZulu-Natal’s growing creative economy, stories of resilience and reinvention continue to shape the future of local entrepreneurship. One such story is that of Mr Mongi Nkonyeni, the award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Good 2 Go DIY, a proudly KZN-based furniture and carpentry business.

Mongi’s journey did not begin with a grand business plan or access to capital. Instead, it began during a period of unemployment — a time that pushed him to look inward and uncover skills he never knew he had. What started as a way to survive soon became a powerful purpose.

Discovering a Hidden Talent

While unemployed, Mongi began experimenting with DIY furniture projects. He taught himself how to build bedroom wardrobes, kitchen units, lounge furniture, and custom fittings using raw materials and sheer determination. With every piece he created, his confidence grew — and so did his reputation.

This period of self-discovery revealed a natural talent for carpentry and furniture design. Today, Mongi is proudly known as “the man” when it comes to quality, functional, and beautifully crafted furniture.

Building More Than Furniture, Building Community

Beyond his personal success, Mongi plays a vital role in job creation within his community. By growing his business, he has created opportunities for others to learn, earn, and develop skills — proving that creativity can be a powerful tool for social impact.

What makes his journey even more remarkable is that it all came from using a skill set he never knew he had.

Recognition and Gratitude

Mongi’s dedication and craftsmanship have not gone unnoticed. His work has earned him an award, recognizing both the quality of his furniture and the impact of his entrepreneurial journey.

He credits platforms such as Kwande Fest, an initiative championed by KZN EDTEA, for playing an instrumental role in uplifting creatives within the Orange Economy in KwaZulu-Natal. These platforms create visibility, access, and validation for creatives who are often overlooked.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Good 2 Go DIY

Mongi’s vision is clear and ambitious. He aims to grow Good 2 Go DIY into a large, established furniture brand — a space where customers can purchase ready-made and customized furniture tailored to their needs and lifestyles.

His passion for the craft is unwavering. One of the biggest lessons he has learned since starting his business is the importance of embracing every opportunity that aligns with your values as a business owner. Each opportunity, he believes, is a chance to grow, refine your skills, and strengthen your brand.

An Inspiration to Many

Above all, Mongi hopes his story inspires others — especially those facing unemployment or uncertainty — to look at their hands, their ideas, and their potential differently. His journey is living proof that creativity, when nurtured, can change lives, build communities, and shape futures.

Good 2 Go DIY is more than a business.
It is a testimony to purpose, passion, and possibility.

ARTICLE BY HOC