Dr. Adefunke Soyibo: 19 Years On, Betting Big on Affordable Furniture at HNK Interiors
Dr. Adefunke Soyibo, Founder and CEO of HNK Interiors and HNK Designs Centre, recently commissioned the new HNK Interiors Manufactory and unveiled the HNK Design Centre in Lekki, Lagos. The event was flagged off by Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, who cut the tape and prayed for both the space and its founder. It was more than a launch. It was proof that Nigerian design can build, manufacture, and dream big – all under one roof. After 19 years in business and five years in manufacturing, HNK is betting big on local production, faster delivery, and furniture Nigerians can actually afford. Writes Mary Nnah
The launch comes 19 years after HNK began and 5 years after it ventured into manufacturing. According to Soyibo, the goal is simple: scale local production, cut delivery times, and make quality furniture available to more Nigerians.
The message was clear. Nigerian creativity can design, build, and manufacture world-class pieces — all under one roof.
This wasn’t just another opening. It was a statement.
After nearly two decades in interiors and five years in production, HNK is doubling down on Made-in-Nigeria, faster turnarounds, and furniture the average Nigerian can afford.
Outgrowing Small
For Dr. Soyibo, the move was inevitable. HNK started in 2007, and five years ago opened its first furniture manufacturing company in Nigeria. But the space quickly became too tight.
“Five years after that, we realised that the space was no longer conducive. It was becoming rather too small. And we were not able to achieve as much as we wanted to,” she said.
The solution wasn’t just a bigger factory. It was a purpose-built space to express creativity, keep up with fast-changing interior trends, and showcase everything HNK can manufacture locally.
“We decided it was time to move into a more purpose-built space where we will be able to express ourselves more. Our turnaround time can be faster. And above all, to be able to express ourselves better.”
90% Made in Nigeria
Walk through the new Design Centre, and you will see kitchen cabinets, walk-in closets, wall panels, velvet baths, rattan lampshades, and “HNK Casa” – a staged restaurant setting for baby showers, bridal showers, and intimate dinners.
“A good 90% of what you see here, we made at the HNK Interiors factory,” Dr. Soyibo said. “We’re trying to promote the Made in Nigeria business.”
The push is driven by economics as much as pride. With rising exchange rates, full importation is pricing out the average Nigerian.
“If we are going to keep up with importation alone, we won’t be able to meet up. A lot of people won’t be able to afford our stuff.”
So HNK imports what can’t be sourced here – like foldable plywood and certain fabrics – then assembles and finishes in Lagos. Rattan lampshades are sourced locally, then styled and sprayed in-house.
“We want the quality to be high, but at the same time we want it to be affordable. So we are merging the two. That local control also means speed. A client who wants a dining chair in beige instead of wine? “Give us three days. We will turn it around.”
A Showroom That Pays for Itself
The Design Centre isn’t just for display. It’s designed to generate income and stay fresh. The plan is to change the entire setup every quarter. Old pieces won’t go to waste – HNK will hold “yard sales” with 30-50% discounts.
In the meantime, the space rents by the hour, minimum two hours. There’s “The Globe” for album promos, “The Velvet Bath” for talk shows, a “dialogue zone” with podcast mics, and “The HNK Concert” – a 25-30 seater for training, corporate meetings, and surprise parties.
“If you are a fashion designer, you sell wigs, you sell hair products – come do a video shoot. Change your outfit. Be very happy. Bookings are live at www.hnk.org/design-centre”, she said.
The Hard Parts: Power, People, and Purpose
Manufacturing in Nigeria comes with power issues, logistics, and staffing challenges. Dr. Soyibo was blunt about finding skilled artisans.
“I started with Nigerian guys. Yoruba boys and Igbo boys. It was a nightmare,” she said. “Until we discovered the Benin Republic artisans. They pay attention to detail. They are not lazy.”
Her survival mantra: “When there is a will, there is a way.
The power issue has been there before we were born. You’re not going to say because you have all those issues, you are not going to do what you have to do.”
The Sector is Evolving
Dr. Soyibo believes Nigerian design is in a golden era, helped by hard work, the internet, and AI. “If you are very creative, the sky is not even the limit because you can FRIDAYachieve so much more.”
She started HNK in 2007 with a small idea. Today, the company serves other designers as a one-stop shop and is already dreaming of more HNK centres.
In his remarks, Pastor Ighodalo called it “discovery of purpose.” “Start small, grow big. Start small, grow big. But start small. That’s the most important thing.”
In his remarks, Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, called the launch a “discovery of purpose” and a lesson in faith-driven growth.
“Start small, grow big. Start small, grow big. But start small. That’s the most important thing,” he told guests.
“What we are seeing here today is the result of vision, hard work, and staying power.”
He commended Dr. Soyibo for building steadily over 19 years and for choosing to invest in Nigeria at a time when many businesses are looking outward.
“This is not just about furniture or interiors. This is about nation building. When you manufacture here, you employ here. When you train here, you build capacity here. That is how nations grow,” he said.
Pastor Ighodalo then cut the ceremonial tape and offered prayers for the new HNK Interiors Manufactory and HNK Design Centre, dedicating the space, the staff, and the founder to God.
“We pray that this place will be a centre of creativity, of excellence, and of prosperity. That every hand that works here will be blessed, and every client that walks through here will find beauty and value”, the cleric prayed.
He added that businesses like HNK are proof that Nigeria’s creative sector can compete globally if given the right support and mindset.
As the prayers ended, guests toured the facility – “Every single piece of furniture you see here tonight, we manufactured at HNK Manufacturing. To the glory of God,” Dr. Soyibo said.
