Meet&CoFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Kenya McKenzie, a 48-year-old entrepreneur and founder of Baha Furniture, has developed a multifunctional bench that converts into both a single and double bed — a concept she first envisioned two decades ago.
The idea came from her early married life in a small condo. “I didn’t want a sofa bed because they were uncomfortable,” McKenzie recalled. Instead, she imagined a stylish bench that could unfold into a full-size bed, complete with built-in storage. After sketching her design for a carpenter, she pursued and secured a U.S. patent for what is now known as the Chaise Bed.
The innovation has since gained recognition, earning Gold Merit Awards at Pittsburgh’s INPEX InventHelp Investors Show in 2013 and 2016. “Winning showed us the product had real potential,” McKenzie said, though she admitted bringing it to market posed challenges.
Today, Baha Furniture continues to produce and sell the patented Chaise Bed, which retails for $1,499, including shipping. Competing with sofa beds, Murphy beds, and cabinet beds, McKenzie says her product carves out a unique niche. “Securing my own furniture category has been a major accomplishment,” she noted.
Beyond the Chaise Bed, the company also ships bedroom and living room furniture directly to the U.S. from its Vietnam-based manufacturer. McKenzie explained that expanding the product line was crucial for consumer trust: “When you market only one item, people hesitate. Offering more helped build credibility.”
Still, she acknowledges that funding and pricing remain hurdles, and she is seeking retail partnerships and additional manufacturing support to expand the Chaise Bed’s reach.
“Most of the unit arrives pre-assembled, with only the armrests needing installation, which reduces shipping costs,” McKenzie said. “Now the goal is to scale production and get this invention into more homes.”
