My aim is to support and bring awareness to more local brands during 2019. Browse the winter range on Pickalilly’s site or in-store
Tag: Supporting Momtrepreneurs
We will be moving…
Good Morning Lovelies,
As most of my readers are aware I recently ventured into the Small Business world. In saying this I have definitely neglected my blog for a while, due to no time, no energy and no inspiration.
This being said I have decided to merge my babies, What Happened to my Body and Love Made Me.
So watch this space, soon I will be launching my website and if you’re still keen on reading what I have to say then you can follow me there.
Till later
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Supporting Momtrepreneurs : Meet Radhia from Treatmesweetlie
Relationships don’t always start with face to face interactions, sometimes the social media forces bring people together.
That in a very short summary is how I met Radhia, and how our relationship has grown. Now she’s one of my first go-to girls when I need advice or guidance.
So if you haven’t checked out her blog, Treatmesweetlie then shame on you. I’m biased, but she’s awesome!
- So tell us a bit about yourself, who you are, your background?
Hmm, I must admit, I am not fan of this question. Only because I never know what to say and because I end up replying with the normal responses….I am 29 years old, live in Cape Town, married to an amazing man, mother to a beautiful little girl, chartered accountant by profession and work for a giant South African retailer.
- Do you have any kids? Be biased and tell us how awesome they are.
I am a mother to an absolutely gorgeous little princess! She is my world and provides me with all the inspiration I need.
- How, when and why did you start your small business?
I started my business while I was maternity leave. Zieyaad’s (my husband) twin siblings both got married during this time, and of course my little girl needed to look exquisite. I managed to find the prettiest of outfits, but I could not find any pretty pacifier clips that were sold locally. All of the pacifier clips that I wanted needed to be imported, and there was just no time for that. I therefore decided to make them myself, and voila, Treatmesweetlie began!
- Starting a business has its rewards. What has been one of the highlights of venturing out on your own.
One of my biggest highlights since starting Treatmesweetlie has to be my first sale. It was a sale of a pacifier to clip to someone I did not know, who found me on Instagram and ordered via email. This first order has given me the courage to continue. I thank that person for my first sale, as I benefited so much more from that sale than just the income earned from it!
- When doing new designs, what do you look for. Comfortability, affordability, latest trends? Where does the inspiration stem from?
The Treatmesweetlie Handmade Pacifier Clips are fairly new to the market in South Africa. I have a few plans regarding new designs and expanding my product, however I am not ready to launch them yet.
- Can one only order via the catalogue you have available on Facebook or do you do custom orders too?
The pacifier clips comes in a variety of different colours. Colours (or colour combinations) not available can be made to order.
- What are some of the challenges you have experienced with starting a small business (be it time, suppliers, huge orders etc.)?
The biggest challenge I have experienced is time! All pacifier clips are handmade and packaged by myself. As you can imagine, having a full time job, being a mother and wife, and trying to run a small business on the side is really time consuming. It has taken much dedication from myself and my family, in starting Treatmesweetlie and continuing with it.
- Any upcoming markets or events we can come and support you at?
Treatmesweetlie will be exhibiting at the Mama Magic Expo in Cape Town! The Expo will be held at the CTICC on Friday 30th October to Sunday 1st November. All pacifier clips will be available for sale at the exhibition. This a huge commitment and I am really looking forward to it. And I am really looking forward to meeting all of you!
- Where can one find your awesome products?
The Treatmesweetlie Handmade Braided Pacifier Clips are currently available to purchase via email (treatmesweetlie@gmail.com)…
BUT
watch this space, I have a few tricks up my sleeve!
- Care to share a piece of advice with other aspiring small business owners
Commitment and patience. You have to be committed to your business and you have to be patient while watching it grow. These are two of some of the most important things I have to constantly remind myself of.
Thank you Radhia!
Hop on over to Treatmesweetlie Facebook page or over to her Treatmesweetlie blog and show Radhia some love, then go and place your orders. If you’re CPT based, why not pop in at the Mama Magic Expo and show your support.
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Series : Supporting Momtrepreneurs – Meet Sam from Smallschoollove
Good Morning Lovelies
I ABSOLUTELY love doing these posts!
Do you know what grows businesses? Word of mouth and supporting our local companies!
This morning I’m so excited to share my latest find. I love all things Pinterest and love searching through Facebook for awesome baby and kids related products, so when I stumbled onto Sam’s Facebook page I fell inlove!
I have always loved wooden toys and accessories for my kids, I just feel they last so much longer and they’re just so different. Each one is unique, no 2 pieces of wood will ever be the same.
I recently asked Sam if I could do a feature on her and she jumped at the opportunity, I love that inbetween the busyness of running her own business and raising her family she still had the energy for me and my questions.
So here goes….
So tell us a bit about yourself, who you are, your background?
I’m a mom to 3 gorgeous kids and I’m a teacher running a small playschool from home. I have a background in graphic design.
So now that we know you have kids tell us a bit about them
Yes – 3 amazing kids! Our eldest is 17 – a beautiful young lady with only 1 year of high school left – I seriously can’t believe this!! Our middle is a boy of 13 – gentle kind funny and very sporty. Our baby is 2 going on 15 – incredible little guy who keeps us all busy and involved in each others lives… Talk about blessed – its a great privilege to be involved in their lives.
How, when and why did you start your small business?
As a mum and teacher I’m always on the look out for natural wholesome toys for the children. I’m drawn to wooden toys and love the natural textures…I also feel they stimulate the senses and are durable which is important in a school environment. While there are a lot of beautiful wooden toys out there most of them are painted and imported. I stumbled on a tutorial one day while I was searching for wooden toys and it was a lady making her own and I thought yes – I can do that!
9 piece
15 piece
Starting a business has its rewards. What has been one of the highlights of venturing out on your own.
The actual process of making the toys has been a major highlight – sourcing the sustainable local wood, making patterns and packaging up a final crafted piece is so fulfilling…I love that my kids can be a part of the experience and play around experimenting with their own creative journeys…
When doing new designs, what do you look for. Comfortability, affordability, latest trends? Where does the inspiration stem from?
I get a lot of my ideas on line. I also try to think about what children would like to play from their perspective and then experiment on my own kids! I often start off with an idea and it turns into something completely different that I hadn’t even considered…
4 Piece
Approx. 15cm X 39cm
8 piece
Can one only order via the catalogue you have available on Facebook or do you do custom orders too?
You can order via facebook catalogue and I do make custom orders!
What are some of the challenges you have experienced with starting a small business (be it time, suppliers, huge orders etc.)?
I definitely underestimated the amount of time and work that goes into each piece and finishing it off. So time is definitely a challenge for me and I do get carried away on each piece making sure they are perfect to send out!
Any upcoming markets or events we can come and support you at?
At the moment I’m just making orders that I get through facebook and I will be doing one twilight gift market at St Stephens church in Claremont on the 4th of December.
Where can one find your awesome products?
For the time being on line as I make to order!
13 piece
Care to share a piece of advice with other aspiring small business owners
I suppose the best advise is to just give your ideas a go – I never thought I could make my own toys but with the support and help of my amazing husband and family I was brave enough to try and the outcome far exceeded any expectations I had. You should also love your product or the hard work involved will put you off!!
So now that I’ve blown your mind with Sam’s amazing goodies, hop on over to her Facebook page or email her at smallschoollove@gmail.com and place your Christmas orders!
R100
R100
Some FAQ about the products
Do you use paints, varnish, or stains on toys?
No! All we ever use is non toxic beeswax and organic flax seed oil. Did you know wood is anti-bacterial & non-allergenic?! If you want RAW local woods just let us know. We use local sustainable farmed gum and pine.
How does postage work?
We are currently posting at about 1 week lead time. Once I have your location and order I can supply you with an exact postage price. All prices on the site exclude postage. We deliver your items in natural-style packaging.
Do you do local delivery or pick up?
Yes! Please email me for details.
How can I pay for these natural toys?
We accept eft’s.
Do you make custom orders?
With pleasure. Just ask us. We can make you something really special according to your specifications. (Two week turnaround on custom pieces.)
Will you make a personal love note for the little one I am sending this gift to?
Yes! Just ask. We love to personalize your gift and make it extra special.
Whats the best way to care for my special toy?
Each toy comes with a little care guide! It will give you information on how to keep that toy ready to play with for many generations.
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Supporting Momtrepreneurs : Meet Ella from Just Ella Bella
I first heard about Ella on one of the SA Mom Blog Facebook pages and immediately popped over to her blog to read a bit more about her story, I spent hours reading through her posts on Child loss and her son Logan. And then one day she reached out to me after reading one of my posts and asked me to feature in her WAHM Series.
I am always taken a back when someone asks to feature me, I mean really, who am I? This will never change, even small things like people commenting and liking my posts makes me smile from ear to ear.
- So tell us a bit about yourself, who you are, your background?
I’m a journalist who has ventured into newspaper design and layout and am trying to turn my hobby of making things into a kid’s accessories business called Oh!Boy kids
- Do you have any kids? Be biased and tell us how awesome they are.
This is always a bit of a loaded question for me, I’m a mother of two, but one, Logan, is with God, the other, Aidan, is giving me grey hair. He is 2 and a half but is such an old soul that I find myself arguing with a toddler way more than is considered normal. He plays air guitar while belting out twinkle little star and has been known to try and bargain with me “three last ones please” and makes my heart so happy.
- How, when and why did you start your small business?
Earlier this year, just after my 30th birthday, I resigned from my job as a reporter and decided to change my life. I love making things for my son and have had requests for some of his items so I thought why not branch out. I believe girls are much more spoilt for choice when it comes to accessories so wanted to do something “for the boys” but also found that girl moms are quite eager to order so I do make pink and pretty from time to time. I now work in layout three days a week and spend the other two creating things for my online store.
- Starting a business has its rewards. What has been one of the highlights of venturing out on your own.
Every time a mom sends me a pic of their child enjoying something I made, I could just burst with pride, it makes the late nights worth it.
- When doing new designs, what do you look for. Comfortability, affordability, latest trends? Where does the inspiration stem from?
I have a toddler son and my sister has a 6 month old boy, along with all the other little people in my life, they are my inspiration. I make things I feel they could do with. So far its kid’s accessories like bibs and snoods along with busy bags (stylish toys you can take along to keep kiddo busy) and I’m now venturing into more practical items like storage bags and reusable lunch bags (in time for Christmas). I also have people making special requests and love a challenge.
- Can one only order via the catalogue you have available on Facebook or do you do custom orders too?
I have an online store Oh!Boy Kids but most of my things are custom orders, and I love that, I hate making too much of the same thing and prefer small batch items.
- What are some of the challenges you have experienced with starting a small business (be it time, suppliers, huge orders etc.)?
I used to have a problem with saying no and have taken on way too many orders at one time. I have learnt my lesson though and realised my clients are not unreasonable so everything doesn’t have to be done right this second.
- Any upcoming markets or events we can come and support you at?
None yet but watch this space
- Where can one find your awesome products?
Through www.ohboykids.co.za through www.facebook.com/ohboykids and through my blog www.justellabella.co.za
- Care to share a piece of advice with other aspiring small business owners
Do what you love, the rest will fall into place
