Local small businesses are doing big things, and the South African market scene unites so many of them.
A series of market awards recently spotlit passion projects that turned into entrepreneurial pursuits, and they might just inspire you to take a leap of faith on yours:
South Africa (04 October 2023) —Markets are a massive part of South African culture; giving passion-projects-turned-small businesses the chance to unite and flourish while market shoppers get to sift through the kinds of goods and stalls that feel like a big, creative gift.
But, markets or any sense of market culture wouldn’t be possible without the local passion that fuels them. And in a world where mass production and e-retail have bolstered accessibility to the point where quality often comes second, the fight for slow, small-batch and handmade goods is another part of the job small businesses sign up for.
Celebrating the unsung efforts of local crafters the KAMERS/Makers’s Awards. From the creative to the tasty and eco-conscious, South Africans from all corners of our country are getting their moment in the market spotlight.
P.S.: These spotlights might just inspire you to action your own passion project or take a leap of faith on that small business dream hiding on your notes app!
KAMERS Awards 2023
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1. Best Newcomer Award: By John Designs
Dopamine decor called, and By John Designs proudly answered!
Created by Kaylee John who has a background in the film industry, it’s no surprise that By John Designs would have a movie-worthy aesthetic.
2. Best Team Spirit: Just Cruizin Clothing South Africa
The Woodstock-based Just Cruizin has long been a Cape Town favourite with a deep history rooted in informal markets, known for 100% cotton pieces (which are a lot better for the environment than synthetics).
3. Best Stand: Skote Petoors Delicacies
Hailing from Hartebeesport, Skote Petoors is all about bottling the tastes of a chilli lover’s heaven.
4. Originality: Topsy Tuis
After studying Architecture, Nerine Steenkamp’s passion project took a turn and became Topsy Tuis: handcrafted dollhouses and furniture.
5. Best Brand: HuDu Skin Care
Plant-based, crafted treatments with a minimum waste ethos, Hudu Skin Care was born in nature enthusiast Anke’s kitchen, inspired by her babies’ sensitive skin.
6. Sustainability: polka.dot.coco
The Durban-based polka.dot.coco takes traditional prints like isiShweshwe and iNdebele amongst many others to create bow-ties with South African flair. They also create gorgeous, sustainability-focused accessories through material choice and the clever use of off-cuts.
7. Ardagh Glass Packaging Award: Forest Floor Terrarium
Forest Floor Terrarium is the meeting place of botany and style with hand-cultivated moss and plants so that anyone can have their very own little forest.
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