Adds value to a family-owned business via advanced technology, creativity
KENNY Mangal, who came from a family of logging, sawmilling and lumber sales, wanted to add value to an already solid family-owned business.
He, however, found a unique way to establish a meaningful venture through advanced technology, creativity, skills, and suitable equipment, right from the start of their sawmill.
Mangal is the youngest son of sawmiller/owner Krishna Mangal and Sons Sawmills and Lumberyard, and is a multi-talented young father of one, whose interests lie in creativity and making new things through research and in-depth practice via technology-driven equipment.
It was after he graduated from the University of Guyana (UG) as an electrical engineer that he realised he wanted to add value to the family-owned business by infusing advanced technology.
Mangal worked at Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) for two years before deciding to devote his time fully to building the family business.
He attended the Leonora Secondary School, then earned a diploma in electrical/mechanical engineering at the Government Technical Institute (GTI).
Mangal was not satisfied with his level of education, so he decided to upgrade his skills and was awarded a Degree in Electrical Engineering (Distinction) from UG.
Mangal told Pepperpot Magazine that he resigned from DDL in 2018 to join the family-owned business in sawmilling, logging, and the sale of lumber.
He later sought out his cousin, Deon Mangal, to assist him in building a business, “Creative Carvings,” from scratch, which operates out of the sawmill at Plot 2A Lookabu, East Bank Essequibo, in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
Mangal related that he benefitted from a training programme hosted by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) through a conference on value-added wood, which led him to seek machines that can add value using modern technology.
After conducting some research and establishing a link in China, he began importing high-end machines, amounting to G$15M invested, funded by the family business.
Mangal pointed out that he started with a US$300 table machine in his backyard, and today the workshop is worth G$20M , since he has added two Computer Numerical Control (CNC) router machines, which do wood, plastic and soft metals such as aluminium and other composite materials, and one CNC plasma cutter to do all the metal work alone.
The electrical engineer related that the first machine he imported from China was a mini prototype model, which he learned to use. After he mastered it, he started making a few things such as Hindu altars, and advertised them on his personal WhatsApp, which became a hit.
He said people were interested in the products and started placing orders, so the small business developed and was fully established to meet the demands of customers who wanted specialised products.
Mangal told Pepperpot Magazine that “Creative Carvings” has three full-time employees and is a registered business that is becoming known for its creativity, skills and specialised designs.
In addition, they do 3D channel-letter signs, logos for businesses, among other things, which are laser-etched—work they cannot do by hand; the machines do it for them.
Mangal explained that “Creative Carvings” is a product-based business which he founded in January 2024.
He stated that he is the Owner/Chief Executive Officer and that Deon Mangal, the Chief Operations Officer, co-founded it.
Mangal added that it is a business that heavily depends on social media to advertise and interact with customers.
The business can be found across most social media platforms (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp).
Mangal reported that they have a showroom at Tuschen Public Road, in the upper flat of Builders Choice Lumberyard, and he also has displays at two other stores owned by Aresha’s Fashion at Farm, East Bank Essequibo, and at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.
He said “Creative Carvings” utilises modern technological equipment to develop products with superior quality and exquisite style.
“We are known for many different types of products we make, but the product that has managed to really put us ‘on the map’ is our crafty, stylish and modern Hindu altars. We are now known to some as the ‘Altar Boys.’ We aim to create custom-built masterpieces to suit each customer’s space, style and, of course, their budget,” he said.
Mangal added that the material used to make the altars is mostly kiln-dried pine lumber and Celuka (PVC board). Both are durable materials and yield quality work.
“We do site visits to take measurements and to get a greater understanding of customer requirements. We also offer delivery and after-sales services. We can be contacted via call or WhatsApp on +592-695-0538 (Kenny Mangal) or +592-687-7848 (Deon Mangal) or any of the social media platforms,” he said.
