So as you all know I love to support local and started a segment where we could share, learn and inspire! It is so important to support local and share your findings with others.
During lock down, we are going to do a whole lot of these to highlight these businesses – many of which are taking HUGE strain during this time – and shed some awareness and love to all.
I was really excited when I found the Co Collective on Instagram because I was just totally WOWed by their rings made from old coins! I mean how brilliant? I just love the look of them and the fact that its like you carrying a piece of history around with you. I also fell in love with their gorgeous commissioned protea pendant piece which you will see lower down in the blog post. It’s just perfection!
They also make the most divine resin and silver rings. Love the bright colours.
Please give this local business a follow on Instagram. Based in Pretoria, they have an online shop and do commissions. Every piece is a work of art. We chatted to the lovely Monique Cowdrey about her business and she had this to say!
You opened your own business – How does it feel to be a successful business owner that inspires others and loves what they do?
I feel very fortunate to be able to pursue my passions and dreams. I am inspired on a daily basis by other businesses, so the thought of inspiring others is also wonderful.
What are the top 3 learnings you have had to find out the hard way since starting your own business?
These three things are always mentioned. From personal experience they truly go hand in hand.
– Patience. There will always be one more thing that you didn’t account for, or that has to be sorted out. Some of the smallest things take the longest time to figure out. I often get frustrated and find myself questioning why things are taking so long!
– You can’t do everything yourself, I have come to realise that great things start happening when you reach out to get help, advice and input from others. Other people’s way of thinking brings a new perspective and insight and there is always something new to learn.
– Self Doubt. Everything you do is an extension of yourself. We are our own biggest critics, I have come to realise this more and more.
This can lead to setting standards that are too high, but also pushing yourself to greater things. There’s a fine balance…
Where do you see your business in 5 years? Once we have gotten over the effects of the lock down.
We are looking to expand our ecommerce to an international market.
We are also busy with designs for mass producing some products. Aiming to produce good quality affordable pieces. Always dreaming bigger.
What is your advice to individuals out there wanting to start their own businesses but are too scared?
It’s one of those things where you will always keep wondering ‘what if’ until you do it. something about your dreams not being big enough if they don’t scare you?
Tell us 2 things that are the BEST part about owning your own business and make it all worthwhile?
– Number one is definitely the opportunity to be creative on a daily basis. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t work with my hands.
– This one can be a pro and a con at times, but managing your own time. Time is so valuable and being able to manage it as you wish is a privilege.
How has lock down affected you and your team?
Business was quiet as everything came to a stand still.
We are fortunate to have a home studio, so we could still operate to an extent during the lockdown but most of our suppliers were closed so when our supplies started running out we were also forced to slow down.
On a positive note this forced us to take a minute to regroup. I started experimenting with various different materials that we would not have done otherwise.
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