A young self-taught carpenter, Thabang Shinners, has been making waves with his new business venture called ThaPlanka.
Shinners, who is a Computer Information Systems graduate from the City of Roses, started his business during the 2020 lockdown.
The inspiration for his business came while Shinners was spending most of his time on his bed doing assignments and attending online classes. He then realised how much more convenient it would be to have a small portable and foldable laptop table.
“I decided that after writing exams, I would try and make one for myself. I went on YouTube to watch basic woodwork videos, and I also researched the type of wood and tools I needed and how to use them.” After doing his research, he bought tools with his savings to start his new business. “I started making the tables and realised that making laptop tables and other wooden products could turn into a business. I saw this as an opportunity since many people are working from home and students were busy with online learning. Then, ThaPlanka started there.”
Shinners now makes a range of products including a Yoni steam seat, coffee boards, wine racks and hair braids racks.
To place your orders or to follow his journey find ThaPlanka on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at thaplanka, or visit his website www.thaplanka.co.za.
Pierce van Heerden
