Have you done your bit to support your local small business in 2019? If not, the holiday season presents the perfect opportunity to buy local.
We have put together a list of local brands – from food and beverages to fashion and decor items – whose products would make the perfect gift this festive season.
Buy Local Fashion
Oratile Kids
The Oratile Kids’ baby and kids essentials range includes baby care products, clothing and shoes. There are plans to expand into toys, furniture, education and technology.
MaXhosa by Laduma
MaXhosa by Laduma is an internationally-acclaimed fashion brand founded by one of South Africa’s fastest-growing fashion exports, Laduma Ngxokolo. The brand’s product line includes knitwear with African-inspired patterns.
Ledikane Creations
This fashion and accessories brand specialises in contemporary African garments, hats and other fashion accessories. Their handmade products are culturally inspired.
Chepa Streetwear
This e-commerce-based business largely markets their products on their digital platforms. They produce African print streetwear.
Plus-Fab
Plus-Fab is geared towards the fashion savvy, modern day plus-size woman. Malesela Rachel “Ouma” Tema is the creative and founding director of the company.
Mantsho X H&M Collection
The Mantsho X H&M Collection is currently sold online and is available in 11 countries, including H&M retail stores in South Africa. Mantsho means “Black is Beautiful” in Mokubung’s native language Sesotho.
Vuuqa
Vuuqa is an online marketplace that is solely dedicated to selling African brands. The website sells everything from cosmetics and jewellery, to fashion items and food stuff. Popular products are natural beauty products such as shea butter, black soap and essential oils.
Buy Local Accessories
Pichulik
Pichulik is a Cape Town-based accessories range designed by Katherine Mary Pichulik. The accessories are made from manufactured ropes, beads, and other unique materials. International celebrities like British actress Emma Watson and US singer Solange Knowles have supported the brand.
Buy Local Hair & Beauty
The Perfect Hair
Hair entrepreneur, Taryn Gill, launched her hair care range to address the different textures of African hair. They manufacture shampoos, conditioners, gels and stylers. They also have a kid-friendly range.
Afri-Berry
Afri-Berry is a 100% black-owned manufacturer of naturally-based skin and hair care products. The company is based in the City of Tshwane. Co-founder, Relebohile Moeng was inspired to launch her beauty products after a near-fatal car accident left her with 150 stitches on the face.
Hermosa Flor
Mbali Sebapu is a South African influencer and most recently a businesswoman and founder of Hermosa Flor Cosmetics. Recently she launched her cosmetics brand named Hermosa Flor. Hermosa Flor means beautiful flower in Spanish.
Buy Local Decor
Mash T Designs
Johannesburg-based Mash T Design Studio was started by 28-year-old Thabisa Mjo and focusses on lighting and furniture pieces, that according to Elle Decor represent her childhood and culture in a “tongue-in-cheek and refreshing way”.
Mjo’s Tutu 2.0 light has received a lot of recognition so far. The design won the award for the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa at the 2018 Design Indaba
Lulusclan
Lulasclan is a textile, surface design and creative consultancy studio by creative, Bonolo Helen Chepape. For decor fans who want to buy local, they offer bespoke textiles, wall paper and home decor.
Buy Local Food & Beverage
Monate Coffee
The Monate Coffee range includes coffee beans, ground coffee and capsules. The coffee beans are sourced from Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Their products are available in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. They can also be found at various festivals countrywide.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Botebo Wines
Tebogo Ditsebe, a wine farmer from the Free State is the founder and winemaker behind Botebo Wines. They produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chenin Blanc and Rose wines.
The Duchess Virgin Gin and Tonic
South African non-alcoholic beverage brand, The Duchess Virgin Gin & Tonic is the world’s first sugar-free, non-alcoholic gin and tonic according to Good Taste. The brand also prides itself on its beautiful packaging. It’s easy to buy this local brand as it is available on major retailers’ shelves, including Makro, Spar, Liquor City and online at Yuppiechef. The brand was founded by Johannes Le Roux and Inus Smut.
