About six months ago, Ernestina and I were chatting about the sewing skills training program (video) at Seed of Hope. We wanted to find more local markets for our sewing products. Even while our sewing students are learning their craft, they are able to make some income on the products they sew while in the program. We work hard to pay each person a fair trade wage for their sewing contributions. We needed a regular forum to sell what the sewers were making. Our investigations led us to the I Heart Market, held at the Moses Mabhida Football Stadium in Durban. Once a month the front lawns of the stadium are transformed into a thriving market.
We were not sure if we could get into the market because they have very strict approval guidelines. Products have to be locally made with local inputs. We definitely fell into those categories, so we made an application via email. We were filled with excitement when our approval came and we were invited to host a table.
Getting to Durban for 8am on a Saturday required early morning pickups in Bhekulwandle and then a half hour drive. Ernestina and the sewing students were incredibly gracious in giving up a Saturday once a month. It was a journey for us to figure out how to make use of one 6 foot table for our display space. The purchase of a coat rack helped for the display of bags and baskets added some organization to the different products.
It certainly has been a journey from our first market day till now. We are learning which products sell and which don’t. Our sewing students take care of all the customer relations at the market and so they are getting good business experience. Ernestina trains them to use the receipt book to keep good sales records. We find ourselves drawn to innovate and find new products that will be successful. Sewers are gaining experience in matching colour schemes in their products.
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So far we have made slow but steady sales each month. We are able to cover the cost of our table and our material and labour costs. The exposure has been fantastic for Seed of Hope with customers becoming more aware of what we are doing. What is wonderful about the experience is to be part of an army of crafters trying to stimulate South African Industry. This is a market with Heart, and we find our hearts stirred being a part of it.
The I Heart Market runs the first Saturday of every month at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Come and shop for all your gifts there, and you will give the gift that gives twice.
KW