Copyright mwnation
In the heart of Blantyre where tradition meets transformation, one woman’s vision is reshaping how people experience spaces. Samantha Milanzi, founder and chief executive Officer of Milanzi Interiors and Milanzi Group, is a beacon of innovation, faith and leadership in Malawi’s growing design and construction industry. Through dedication and faith, she has earned several prestigious honours that celebrate her contribution to both business and leadership. Among them are the Most Professional Interior Design Firm of the Year 2025 by the Consumer Choice Awards and the Award of Excellence by Business in Detail Magazine Awards. She has also been nominated for Most Inspirational Female Leader by the Consumer Choice Awards and Female Entrepreneur of the Year by the Product Business Magazine. Additionally, Milanzi Interiors was recognised as the Furniture and Joinery Company of the Year by Standard Phuka Awards in partnership with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute, a testament to the firm’s craftsmanship and consistency For Samantha, these accolades go beyond recognition; they are reminders of purpose and divine calling. “Each award reminds me that when you lead with faith and excellence, God honours your work, success built on purpose stands the test of time,” she said. More than trophies and titles, what fulfills her most is the impact her journey has had on others especially young designers and entrepreneurs who see in her a reflection of possibility. Her journey is not just about business success. It is a story of faith, resilience and an unshakable belief that purpose, when pursued with excellence, can transform lives and environments alike. Born and raised in Malawi, Samantha’s story begins with a childhood surrounded by ambition and enterprise. Her father, a businessman, was not only a provider, but a role model whose work ethic left a lasting mark on her. As his last born child and closest companion, Samantha witnessed first-hand the discipline, integrity and determination it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up. “Entrepreneurship was something I was born with. Watching my father build his ventures inspired me deeply. My parents worked hard with vision, purpose and I felt a responsibility to carry that legacy forward,” she said. Even as a young girl, Samantha was drawn to creativity— how things looked, felt and functioned. But it was not until later that she discovered the link between entrepreneurship and design. She did not choose interior design; it chose her. “In my search for purpose, I prayed and asked God to show me what I was meant to do. That is when He called me into the construction and design industry, it has not been easy, but because it was a calling, I believe God equipped me with everything I need to survive and thrive,” she explained. Milanzi Interiors began as a fusion of creativity, faith and business acumen. What started with small residential projects and limited resources has grown into one of Malawi’s most respected interior design and construction firms. With headquarters in Blantyre and a recently opened branch in Lilongwe, Milanzi Interiors designs and builds inspiring spaces across corporate offices, homes, hospitality establishments and institutions. The firm’s mission is clear: to bridge the gap between people, products, and their environments. “When I looked around, I saw how design affects how people feel, work and live, spaces are powerful they can inspire excellence or limit potential. I wanted to create environments that help people become their best selves,” Samantha added. Under her leadership, Milanzi Interiors has become synonymous with innovation and professionalism values often lacking in a developing industry. Her firm’s work reflects a blend of modern aesthetics and cultural depth, rooted in functionality and emotional connection. For Samantha, design is not just about beauty; it’s a ministry of transformation. She further said: “I see design as a calling. It is a way of healing spaces and hearts. When we design a room, an office, or a hotel, we are not just placing furniture or choosing colors. We are creating an experience that speaks to who people are and who they aspire to be.” This deep sense of purpose sets Milanzi Interiors apart, every project begins with understanding the client’s vision and aligning it with functionality, beauty, and excellence. Samantha insists that each detail, no matter how small, must reflect the firm’s values of quality, professionalism, and integrity. The road to success has not been without obstacles. As a young woman in a male-dominated field, she had to work twice as hard to earn credibility. “One of my biggest challenges was being taken seriously as a young female entrepreneur, in the beginning, some clients and partners doubted my capabilities simply because of my age or gender. But I decided that instead of complaining, I would let my work speak for itself,” she explained. Samantha slowly built a name that commands respect. She also faced structural challenges within Malawi’s construction and design industry, where systems and standards are still evolving. “The industry is growing, but professionalism and structure are not always prioritised. We had to set our own standards of excellence and create systems that support sustainability,” she said. From small beginnings, Samantha’s impact now extends across industries and regions. Among her many achievements, she counts the establishment of Milanzi Interiors as one of Malawi’s leading design and construction firms and the opening of a second branch in Lilongwe, a significant milestone in expanding her reach and creating jobs. She has led major corporate design projects for some of Malawi’s top companies and institutions, helping them translate their brand values into physical spaces that inspire productivity and innovation. But beyond commercial success, her true pride lies in mentorship nurturing the next generation of designers, artisans and managers. “I love seeing young people grow, many of our team members started with little experience, but today they are professionals leading their own projects. That is impact when your success creates space for others to rise,” she said. Through her work, Samantha continues to inspire a generation to pursue their dreams boldly, proving that faith, excellence, and integrity remain the true foundations of lasting success. Today, Milanzi’s leadership extends beyond interiors. As the CEO of Milanzi Group, she oversees a growing portfolio of companies under one umbrella all driven by a shared mission: excellence, empowerment, and innovation. The group’s expansion into multiple sectors demonstrates her strategic vision to build an ecosystem that supports local industries, creates jobs, and promotes sustainable development. Her approach is holistic building not just businesses, but legacies. She said. “I want Milanzi Group to be a symbol of what is possible when young Africans believe in their potential, we are not waiting for opportunity; we are creating it.” As someone who has walked the path of uncertainty, Milanzi is passionate about empowering other women and young people to believe in themselves. She urges young women not to underestimate their potential or shrink their dreams to fit their circumstances. “Your vision is valid. Dream boldly, work diligently, and trust the process. Money knows no gender excellence and results open doors,” she said. From her first project to her latest corporate build, Samantha continues to redefine what it means to be a purpose-driven entrepreneur in Malawi. Her story is one of vision, courage, and unwavering faith a reminder that success built on purpose stands the test of time.
