Lungile Nkosi is the founder of “The Pillow Fluffer”, a design studio that explores the different dimensions of interior design, architecture and art. Born out of a love and passion for interior design, the Pillow Fluffer Brand allowed her to reconsider how home design has an influence on how individuals experience life. Through this initiative, she has made design more accessible by increasing access to services such as interior design, styling and content creation. 

Nounouche sat down with this entrepreneur to find out more about The Pillow Fluffer, the entrepreneurial journey and discover exactly what fuels her focus.

We asked Lungile Nkosi to define herself in three words – she chose ‘spiritual, brave and intentional.’ 

“My firm belief in God, His perfect plan and divine timing for my life makes me want to move through the world with intention and bravery. I truly believe that’s what defines me.”

Nkosi always thought of her passion as inspired by her grandmother who loved furniture and homeware. She remembers her grandmother as someone who loved being in beautiful spaces, and ended up creating them. But, a challenging year brought her to a realisation of internal work and self discovery.

“I came to realise that I have always had a deep desire for a place I could call home. We moved a few times while I was growing up and I longed for stability so I found inspiration in the homes we stayed in as well as homes of relatives and friends. I love creating spaces that make me feel good so I think that’s what inspired my career choice,” she said.

Despite starting ‘The Pillow Fluffer’, Nkosi relays that she never thought of herself as a pioneer.

“I didn’t have much of a plan – I just knew that I wanted to design interiors, that’s what I love doing, so I did it. The Pillow Fluffer has exceeded my expectations by far. It is more than just an interior design company, it is about educating people about the spiritual and psychological influence interiors have on us as people experiencing spaces,” Nkosi added.

Regarding how her personal interests feed into the business and person she is, Nkosi admitted that she is fuelled by sensory experiences.

“I love good music, great food, art and nature so I surround myself with that. I have to be surrounded by nature for my sanity so I spend as much time as I can in nature. I am a fantastic cook so you will always find me cooking or eating lol. I enjoy discovering new art and music so I try do that when I can,” she added.

As beautiful as the journey may have been, it was not unblemished with challenges.

“Running my business as a business and not just a means to an end. A business needs clear intention and understanding my ‘WHY’ must have been the hardest part of being an entrepreneur. I’ve learnt to turn down the jobs that don’t serve me or my business. I’m slowly learning how to say my price with my chest and not downplay my expertise,” she said.

Nkosi maintains that looking back at her journey, there is not much she would do differently.

“It’s been a great learning journey even with the bumps in the road and there have been a few. If anything I would be kinder to myself and just trust the process. Everything is working as it should and for my good,” she said.

On designing spaces, she emphasises that spaces are spiritual and this understanding is what informs her consumer experience.

“I really try to understand what my client is trying to get out of their space so it serves them fully. I don’t believe in being driven by trends. As much as they are a great starting point for inspiration, what gives a space life is the person or persons that occupy – hence the design must be driven by their personalities. 

Personally, she admits that she actually does have much of a design style, and that her personal style also changes a lot depending on what mental space she is in and what she requires at that point in time.

Lastly, Lungile Nkosi shared three things she wishes she knew earlier in her career:

-You are constantly learning so in every experience even in the not so pleasant ones, remain teachable. Everyone you encounter will teach you something that contributes to your work in one way or another.

-What you get wrong will be the building blocks to creating a brilliant designer. Don’t beat yourself up about it. You can only get better.

-You know what you are doing and you are good at it so don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve and show up in all the spaces you think you don’t belong in. It is not by coincidence or luck but by the true talent you have. Own it and don’t be shy to show up confidently in your God ordained gift.