Interview with Cyrille TEUKAM, promoter of Caly La calyté: innovation by wood!
1- Introduce us your company
Caly la calyté is a small Cameroonian company based in Yaounde, making its way in the wood sector. We begin this journey in 2005 with little or nothing, today we are a team of 7. Our fields of activities: Carpentry joinery, Watch-making, Wooden communication gadgets. Our trademarks: Caly jeux (games as well as educational and fun toys); Horlogiz (Watchmaking); Cedusoft (software and computer), Ctrophy caly trophy (study design achievement trophy), Woody (wooden VIP gadgets); Art et verre déco (glassworks sanding polishing and sandblasting of glasses and mirrors), Caly déco (carpentry cabinetmaking decoration) and Blhenri (kitchen utensils).
2- How did the idea, the project come about?
In 2000, while buying wooden toys in thrift stores to sell them, I thought of finding a way to make them myself, given that we have wood in Cameroon. And so was born the Caly project.
3- Were you encouraged by your loved ones?
Yes! My mum helped me a lot, as well as relatives, friends
4- How innovative are your products? What differentiates them from others?
Our signature is direct impressions on wood, laser engraving and sandblasting. The difference between our products and others is the high emphasis on quality and our constant creation of new products.
5- Do you receive financing from banks, or do you invest on own funds?
I personally invest.
6- What are your projects in the next three (3) years? How do you intend to develop your business ?
An extension of the company in Douala and in two other two towns in Africa. I equally intend to launch the Calystore platform: the first online sales site where customization is permitted.
7- Who do you have great admiration for ?
They are many: My mum and a great number of the most successful in Cameroon.
8- What about your favourite Cameroonian dish ?
They are many: form the East, I love koko; from the West I love achu, from the South-West I love Eru; I love ndole, Pilé… In fact, we have wonderful meals in Cameroon and they are all delicious.
9- If you were given a second chance, what would you change ?
Nothing. Every joy, sorrow and suffering is in its right place. Even failures make up my story.
10- What can you say to all who want to follow your example?
Dare, always innovate, have faith, courage and patience.
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