In a world grappling with environmental challenges, sustainable living is no longer just a trend; it’s a necessity. For Fanda Zigwai, founder of LadyBamboo, the journey into sustainable, ecofriendly design began with a vision: to merge eco-consciousness with luxury by using one of nature’s most renewable materials—bamboo. Her company, which operates in Abuja and Lagos, produces premium furniture, home decor, and custom designs made entirely from scratch. In this interview, Zigwai opens up about her passion for bamboo, the environmental benefits of this remarkable plant, and how LadyBamboo is paving the way for sustainable/ecofriendly living in Nigeria.
Bamboo: The Unsung Hero of Sustainability
“Bamboo isn’t just a material; it’s a solution,” Zigwai explains. “It’s one of the fastest-growing grass on the planet, with a growth cycle of three to five years, unlike hardwood trees, which can take decades to mature.” She highlights how bamboo’s rapid renewability allows it to be harvested without causing deforestation—a critical factor in the fight against climate change.
In addition to its fast growth, bamboo absorbs about 40 % carbon dioxide than many trees and releases 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere, making it a powerful tool in reducing greenhouse gases. Zigwai’s passion for sustainable practices runs deep, and LadyBamboo’s furniture reflects this philosophy. “Every piece we create is a step toward eco-friendly living,” she says.
Luxury Meets Eco-Conscious Design
At LadyBamboo, sustainability does not mean compromising on elegance. The company specializes in crafting premium furniture for luxury homes, hotels, and restaurants, where high-end design meets environmental responsibility. “We wanted to show that eco-conscious products can be luxurious,” Zigwai adds.
With a focus on high-end finishes and a variety of designs, LadyBamboo caters to clients seeking more than just furniture—they seek a lifestyle. Whether it’s bespoke chairs or intricate home decor pieces, every product tells a story of craftsmanship and sustainability.
Empowering Artisans and Supporting Communities
Zigwai believes that sustainability goes beyond materials; it’s about people too. LadyBamboo works with local artisans, providing them with employment opportunities while preserving traditional craftsmanship. “Our goal is to empower these artisans by giving them the skills and platform to showcase their work,” she notes.
The brand also seeks to support women in entrepreneurship by actively promoting collaborations that foster economic inclusion. “Sustainability is not just about saving the environment—it’s also about uplifting people and communities,” she emphasizes.
The Future of Sustainable Living in Nigeria
For Zigwai, bamboo is just the beginning of a larger movement toward eco-conscious living in Nigeria. She believes that by raising awareness and increasing access to sustainable products, more consumers will make environmentally responsible choices. “It’s important to educate people about the benefits of bamboo and other sustainable materials. When people understand that small choices—like switching to bamboo furniture—can have a big impact, change will happen,” she says.
Fanda Zigwai through LadyBamboo is also positioning itself as a thought leader in the sustainable design space by promoting awareness through media outreach, partnerships, and community campaigns. “We want to lead by example and show that sustainability can be aspirational and practical,” Zigwai states confidently.
A Call to Action
As Zigwai continues to build LadyBamboo, she invites others to join the journey toward sustainable living. Her message is simple but powerful: “Every sustainable choice we make today shapes the future we leave behind. Bamboo is our starting point—what will yours be?”
LadyBamboo is not just redefining luxury; it’s proving that sustainability and sophistication can go hand in hand. With a commitment to the environment, empowerment, and high-quality craftsmanship, Zigwai and her team are making bamboo the material of the future—and Nigeria is taking note.
For more information about LadyBamboo, follow them on Instagram: @ladybambooo.