MzansiStore is an online marketplace for South African merchants selling handcrafted products to both national and international audiences. A member of Cape Town World Design Capital 2014, the online shop recently managed to raise funds using the local crowdfunding site, Thundafund, in an effort to support local talent.
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The Cape Town World Design Capital 2014 matched MzansiStore’s R10 000 funding goal which brought the total up to decent R22 750. MzansiStore founder Deidre Luzmore told Ventureburn that although the marketing of the crowdfunding campaign was tough, it’s success does highlight the great support from the community.
The funds will be used to provide a local designer with the tools to put her designs in production and ultimately sell them online. This recent example illustrates MzansiStore’s broader focus of providing local entrepreneurs in the craft industry the tools to grow their businesses.
MzansiStore’s mission is to create a sustainable online marketplace that enables crafters and producers to be connected to customers inspired by local culture regardless of location.
The company explains that 90% of its sellers are woman-owned small businesses. A further 40% of MzansiStore sellers are BEE business owners.
The online marketplace has a strong commitment to building and inspiring communities. One of its sellers represents creative individuals from Khayelitsha that provides skills development and product guidance. The company also hosts ecommerce training workshops which aims to help educate people on how to create a successful and sustainable online.
Thundafund represents a host of exciting local projects looking to raise funds to get them off the ground. Check it out.
