madeineverywhereblog-blog
Made in Everywhere
Made in Everywhere is a marketing and brand agency. We profile people (artists, craft producers and designers), products and places (forgotten towns).
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Choose wisely...
I have to agree with the idiom, “Time flies when you’re having fun”. The past few months of 2019 has gone by so fast, I haven’t really had time to reflect, really reflect on the business. Perhaps I’ve been too busy focusing on my “9-5″ and other important factors that make up my 24hr day.
About a month ago that made me choose, I was not doing a great job of juggling - the start-up vs my 9-5. Also,a month prior to that “AHA moment” we were accepted to participate in an incubation program. We were told that we were chosen out of hundreds of businesses. I choose not to mention the sponsors. Well, firstly we were not well placed, we initially entered to participate in the “Start-Up phase” however, we ended up being grouped with the “Scale-Up phase”. The program commenced in June and would continue for 4 months. Participants would have to attend sessions for 2 days per month over the 4 months. There was no outright “prize”, no guarantee of monetary investment after the 4 months.
Well, I attended the first 2 days, having to take time off from my “9-5″. In hindsight, I acknowledge that this was a mistake. I also attended a session with a mentor. Thereafter I expressed my decision to discontinue with the program to the coordinator, Much to her annoyance, and complete lack of empathy! Often these type of programs simply seek the numbers to fulfill their “mandate” or it’s just another tick box exercise and money is paid to consultants. Consultants who have never operated their own business and simply cannot relate to the REALITY of the entrepreneurs who are fighting to survive.
I’ve said this before and I want to emphasize this again. Cape Town is extremely cliquey and people support their peers, based on our history of racial polarization, add to the equation working class lineage - the odds are certainly stacked against you!
So, I’ve always been a positive person, the glass is always half full kinda girl - with a fighting spirit. Now, I’ve taken stock - made a decision to really reconsider how I utilize my time - 24hrs. I’m going to spend 2 hrs per day on the business, even if 1 hr is spent focusing on the WHY - Have weekly meetings with my co-founder and between the 2 of us we going to recommit to revitalize and find the passion. And come back stronger than before. From the onset it was always about highlighting the positive stories, re-branding the forgotten towns and promoting beautifully designed handcrafted products.
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Celebrating relationships
It’s often said that you can tell a lot about a person and the way they impact the world they live in, when you attend their special birthday and anniversary celebrations. Well, recently I had the pleasure of accompanying a friend to a special birthday of one of her friends. Apart, from her I didn’t know anyone else. It was an intimate party, only close friends and family. But what was evident in the room was the love for the birthday person. BTW, I consider myself a real “birthday person”, I love celebrating my birthday, get excited months’ before, plan how I intend celebrating, dream about possible gifts I will receive, though as the day draws closer I go into reflective mode. Looking back and considering whether I’ve reached my goals and whether I’m truly satisfied with my life and whether I’ve ticked all the boxes (especially the ones imposed by society) I digress, back to birthday celebration.
Everything was carefully planned, MC, DJ, table settings, beautiful birthday cake, add close family and friends who have been there since varsity days and been with you through the highlights and challenges of life. Surely, the recipe for a successful birthday celebration.
So, at the end of the night besides getting a glimpse into birthday persons’ life, her character, her passions - what was clear from speeches and small talk with others - was celebrating life, all of it! Honoring relationships, giving thanks to your maker, your parents, your siblings and your tribe.
Translating this to the entrepreneurial journey, one simply cannot succeed in the entrepreneurial space without healthy relationships, mentors, business partners, cheerleaders who light our path along the way. Navigating our way through life and career and business is best done with our chosen partners, being placed in the perfect ecosystem, nurturing relationships of fellow entrepreneurs who share your passion for business and developing your business acumen whilst keeping the dream alive.
Not all of us have the resources to play the entrepreneurial role full time, some of us first have to get through the 9 to 5! Then we do the 9 to midnight hussle; We often forgo our social lives, our romantic relationships, ourselves - all for the sake of our entrepreneurial journey. Surely, a special calibre of individual who can maintain this status quo for months, even years striving to get ahead and reach that first milestone - whatever it may be. We all have different business goals. The important thing is staying power - never giving up until you reach your goal.
I know in the last blog i promised to continue with the theme of Family business and Informal business. I guess the party just made me reflect on relationships and life. To quote a friend “Life wants to be lived”!
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The magic of Family run business
Last Saturday I got to witness the magic of family-run business - my sister’s car had a strange sound, yes I’m going to live up to the stereotype of the female who doesn’t know much about mechanics of cars. So, I found myself at Joe’s Radiators and Exhausts - the very same business my father took his vehicles in need of servicing about 30 years ago. While waiting I went back in time, and I realized nothing much had changed - sure the business probably expanded, opened up other branches, however one constant which is visible in most family-run business especially those older than 30 years is customer service, built from genuine interest in ones customer. Today, it’s known as CX - customer experience, surely it’s not rocket science. Treat me with respect, give me the best advice and service and you’ve got a customer for life.
For as long as I can remember I’ve had an interest in brands and business, family-run business, all forms of business - each business with their unique recipe of success, their identity and perhaps more importantly their WHY? What drives business decisions, what keeps them going despite the negative factors in the economic climate.
I digress, back to my “workshop experience” - observing the manager/owner moving from one client to the other as well as working on some intricate welding on a super motorbike. What was evident during my waiting time is a passion for the business in it’s entirety - the clients, the workers and the actual work.
This visit also got me thinking back to my stint in the Insurance industry - visiting Sitsila’s funerals in Langa township back in early 2000. The late Mr Sitsila was a true legend, his love for his business, his family, his people was evident. I would walk into his office in Washington Street (I worked for Insurance administrators, our clients were church groups and undertakers). Monthly visits were tantamount to business lessons, nuggets of random business advice - which still counts today. Every business decision made should put client needs first. Relationship building is key to maintaining clients,as well as repeat and referral business.
Surely the adage “teamwork makes the dreamwork”applies more so in the family business scenario. Some “Lessons from the Hive”; Hard Work, Leadership, Energy, Inspiration and Involvement.
Hard work is the fuel required for any type of business - lone entrepreneur, family-run business, informal vendor, fintech startup - without hard work and the willingness to put in the extra hours, to hussle after your 9 to 5 - your dream will remain in draft.
Leadership is the one characteristic which determines who is responsible for driving and pushing the vision of the business. Treat your employees as family and you will have intrapreneurs buying into the vision.
Without energy nothing will get done, reward staff and yourself regularly and you will be guaranteed of an enthusiastic team. Ready to infuse the workplace with positive vibes.
“My biggest motivation? Just to keep challenging myself. I see life almost like one long university education that I never had -- every day I’m learning something new.” -- Richard Branson
There are many entrepreneurs, leaders and everyday people who I’ve met along my journey who inspire me; my ancestors who have started informal business, creating something out of nothing, passing on trade secrets and recipes to others - I will elaborate on this in my next blog.
Involve the entire team in decision making - this strengthens the family bond and overall team spirit. When my sister and I started Made In Everywhere, over weekends we would meet prospective makers, who we wanted to represent. My niece, who was 6 at the time mentioned that she also wants to be part of the decision making! “If 2 or more people like the product, then they can join the Made In Everywhere family”
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Keeping the dream alive...
It’s over 2 years since I’ve posted on this platform. My co-founder/sister and I have had numerous discussions about the way forward and how to re-imagine and reiterate the business. There have been times, many times when I simply wanted to utter those 2 obvious words...GIVE UP! Yet, a part of me cannot and will not be defeated. There remains a glimmer of hope, flashbacks of pitch day, meeting potential investors, government officials and others in the ecosystem, PR from participating in Open Design, invited to talk about branding YET nothing, zilch, nada returns.
Perhaps we should separate the business and our personal lives. Yet, that’s simply not possible - because who we are and everything connected to MiE is intrinsically linked to the co-founders. We love discovering, meeting new people, learning about different cultures, natural connectors, appreciate art, part of a growing percentage of the population who care about the planet and this is evident in the makers we gravitate towards. So we have a recipe for success, right? MiE has a niche USP, right - we not only promote beautiful products, we tell makers’ stories and promote places. Are we missing something, is there a missing link, light bulb moment please come already!
There are similar stories spread among entrepreneurial sites and other social media platforms; and then the VC or Angel investor saved the day and the rest is history. Or the other reality is this is just a game for some and yeah the old or young boys club is SO alive and yeah, the arrogance of WP - oh, I’m sorry it’s not my fault I’m born with a silver spoon and I can keep playing this game called “Entrepreneurship Rules”
Oh and don’t let me get started about Incubation hubs, programs and the like...just another avenue for Corporate foundations to throw money at Consultants, amazing PR stunt - entrepreneur receives insignificant amount and “expert consultant” makes more than enough per hour!
So, what keeps the flame going - let me tell you...
The vision that was born many years ago, that crazy dream about re-branding forgotten towns all across Africa by way of searching for positive stories, positive role models by way of highlighting the creators, the makers and changing the trajectory for many - join us in our quest as we re-imagine MiE. Starting next month we will reveal the changes we intend for the business. Come along and join us as we journey across South Africa and later into other parts of Africa seeking the unique and extraordinary handcrafted products and showcasing it to the world.
Keep moving towards your entrepreneurial goal.
Greetings
Michelle
#entrepreneur#journey#keepwalking#tenacity#creatives#handmade#connect#african#angelinvestors#madeineverywhere#traceabilty#branding#design#vision#forgottentowns#tourism#niche#funding#recycled#upcycled#ecosystem#privilege#collaborate#success#drive#energy#spirit#handmadewithlove#passionate
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Heed the warning signs!
Recently my vehicle went in for a service at a reputable and approved dealer; following which I was informed that my vehicle must be booked in for a further “diagnostic test” as the professional mechanic who worked on it noticed an oil leak. It was a bit like stating the obvious, because I told them there was an oil leak when I booked it in for a service – now I can just imagine the reaction some of you may have “ah, female behaviour, so typical when it comes to knowledge of vehicles and the mechanics behind the entire operating of the system”.
So, that was almost 2 months ago – and I delay the process, perhaps out of fear that the diagnosis will not be covered by the current mechanical warranty plan. My delay in dealing with the problem could possibly have resulted in a worse diagnosis than if I had dealt with it when it was first presented – regardless I had to now deal with the situation. I don’t want to get into the mechanical jargon, apart from the fact that the repair was declined by the insurance plan.
Typical to my personality, I’m beating myself up – Why, why, oh why me – how could I not take seriously the warning light, the constant message when I switch on the vehicle. I spend a day or two wallowing, I move on accept the reality and make peace with the situation.
Now, I wonder why entrepreneurs don’t get similar warning signs, messages, flickering lights and signals going off as we walk the path of entrepreneurship.
After 8 months of bootstrapping – PING PING PING – Do not proceed unless you prepared to forgo some comforts (eating out, movies, fun activities, spa and beauty treatments, new clothing, new shoes almost unheard of going forward)
After 12 months of bootstrapping – Do not proceed unless you prepared to forgo salary for the next couple of months.
There is no manual handed to those who choose the entrepreneurial route – it can be likened to purchasing a luxury vehicle that doesn’t come with a 5 year maintenance and warranty plan. Yeah, almost unheard of, before driving a vehicle out of the car dealership one has to provide proof of insurance.
What recourse is available to the entrepreneur who experiences the warning signs, the alerts along the journey of entrepreneurship?
Pardon the cliché – but the most obvious would be to surround oneself with like-minded folk; mentors are crucial during the tough times, the times when one wants to throw in the towel and simply run back towards the comfort zone. True friends and family are important as well, they keep us humble, remind us why we started the journey in the first place.
The entrepreneurs’ in-built system, the antennae must be linked to a strong network able to pick-up on the signals along the way and immediately take action; a solid support base should be in place to enable the entrepreneur to be in top form to operate in the entrepreneurial eco-system. Exercise, healthy lifestyle choices and relaxation exercise are some of the key activities to operate and be successful as an entrepreneur.
Much the same way as we care or don’t care for our vehicles, we have to care for our beings, our bodies – our systems!
Takeaway: As entrepreneurs, we too need to heed the warning signs so that we avoid a possible meltdown/breakdown. Keep pushing but take care of your physical and emotional wellness too.
Happy day, happy week!
Michelle
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Meet our Makers
The Made in Everywhere family is growing and while each designer has a different story, the key traits that resonate with each one is their passion for their craft and their sheer commitment to their clients and brand as a whole.
As a marketing and branding agency, we couldn’t be more proud of representing each of these brands locally and abroad and so want to take this opportunity to share their stories with you.
ATG Ekasi is the brain child of Thuleka and Abass. In 2010 Thuleka Duze was introduced to her business partner Abass Maazu through her brother because they were friends. “We connected the first day we met and as they say the rest is history. In 2014 we decided to start a business which was different to clothing. We decided on Africanprint handbags business. 2014 was the year ATG EKASI was born. It was inspired by my extensive travelling to West Africa.” Read their story here: http://madeineverywhere.co.za/pages/meet-thuleka
Lizl Naude is the founder of Lilly Loompa. A self-taught furniture designer and maker, Lizl has been interviewed various times on E-TV and KykNet where she was recognized as a DIY specialist. Besides this she was the resident DIY contributor to a youth magazine called 4Change from 2012-2013, as well as the Green Home Magazine in 2014. Read her story here: http://madeineverywhere.co.za/pages/meet-lizl
Macassar Pottery is partly owned by its employees. In 2010, two friends started playing with clay and inviting young men in the community along to participate. These friendships grew and finally resulted in the registration of the studio as a business in 2015. Readhis story here: http://madeineverywhere.co.za/pages/meet-johan
Sune’ Uys, the founder of Orange Lemon lived a nomadic life for two and a half years, travelling in South and Central America with her husband from 2013 until 2015. When she returned to South Africa in December 2015, she was inspired by all that she’d seen and experienced, that she chose to start a creative business. Read her story here: http://madeineverywhere.co.za/pages/meet-sune
Davis Ndungu is the founder of Recycled Flipflops. Davis started creating sculptures from discarded flip flops ten years ago. Read his story here: http://madeineverywhere.co.za/pages/meet-davis
Gaynor Koopman turned her hobby of crocheting into a business and is now the proud owner of Tarnell. Read her story here: http://madeineverywhere.co.za/pages/meet-gaynor
The African accessories queen, Zanele Mjuza founded Uzani in 2016. Tired of trying to find accessories that fit her personality, she decided to combine her love for African prints and love of fashion to start her own line of accessories. Read her story here: http://madeineverywhere.co.za/pages/meet-zanele
Now that you know their stories, go on and support our wonderfully talented local designers by purchasing their products at www.madeineverywhere.co.za
With love,
The Made in Everywhere Team
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Mustard seed faith...
Faith is vital in Christian life and the references to “mustard seed faith” is often quoted in the bible. Before i get into a serious analysis of the bible, I simply want to draw the image of a tiny mustard seed that has the potential to grow into a beautiful tree.
The perseverance and faith required from entrepreneurs can be likened to this. Entrepreneurship requires massive doses of faith, tenacity and perseverance mixed with endless hours of hard work, often lonely without the corporate perks. At times forgoing the security of a monthly income. So, what is it that keeps the entrepreneur going on this risky road of nothingness.
I think it’s the dream that keeps this rare breed going, dreaming of changing the world, finding the next big thing, disrupting the landscape, navigating ones way out of the ordinary mundane rat race. Taking full responsibility to make a positive change in the economic, financial or education sector, one entrepreneur - one start-up at a time.
Made in Everywhere founders certainly displayed this tenacity, this “mustard seed faith” over the past few months. And guess what, it seems the seeds are taking to the ground, slowly but surely!
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Today, we’re super excited to welcome Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa Furniture Design Company to the Made in Everywhere family. Shop Lizl’s awesome eco furtuniture range at www.madeineverywhere.co.za today!
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Sisters market township crafters online
- Cape Argus, 16 Feb 2017, Matthew van Schalkwyk inl.co.za
TWO Mitchells Plain sisters have made it their mission to change the negative perceptions associated with previously disadvantaged communities.
Michelle and Natasha Talliard have launched an online platform, Made in Everywhere, which promotes and markets local craft producers.
“Communities like Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain are seen as affiliated with hostility and crime,” they said. Their online platform aims to strengthen positive stories “hidden beneath the surface”.
Natasha says the start-up business Made in Everywhere is a marketing and branding agency for micro-entrepreneurs. “We help artists, craft producers and designers.”
Emphasis is on the people involved in making products and services in the area.
There would be a call for submission in March, when people could network and meet other creatives.
The sisters are also excited to host a “bespoke tour” with Proudly Macassar Pottery. There would be surfing, hip-hop culture and heritage tours too.
“We chat about the challenges they face and how we can help each business grow their brand – be the support and ears and eyes they need to source new opportunities.”
Co-owner Michelle says the venture is promising but she knows perceptions do not change overnight.
“It’s not simply changing the colour of the house; it’s actually re-modelling, if I can use that as an example.”
She says communities seen in a negative light are in competition with those deemed more favourable, but maintains that there should be growth and possible investment despite this factor.
“It’s the responsibility of the locals and government to create an enabling environment that allows for this to happen.”
Michelle hopes this will instil civic pride in Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha.
“Apart from the economic spin-offs and the tangibles, there is definitely an opportunity for an overall sense of well-being within the community.”
See more of Made in Everywhere by visiting the website www.madeineverywhere.co.za –
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Hope your Valentine’s day was extra special! Remember to practice love everyday - romantic, platonic, familial, friendship, etc. #lovealwayswins #spreadlove #lovethings #lovelove
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Post pitch day reflection
Happy Tuesday!
Last week this time I had experienced a host of different emotions, not in one day, but hourly, like on the hour, every hour. I’d go from feeling super excited, to feeling anxious, to feeling blessed, to wanting to cry.
Last week Monday, I celebrated my daughter’s 5th birthday - my princess, my little babakanush turned F I V E! Later that week (Thursday, 24 November 2016 to be exact), I would be presenting my final pitch for Made in Everywhere (my other baby, and this one is truly a baby, only 6 months old) to the judges of the Innotech Telkom Future Makers programme, along with investors, friends and family in the room. The 25 weeks was intense and each and every one of the fellows that had made it through to the final phase of the programme had done an amazing job.
Yes, the journey of an entrepreneur is one of constant change - ups and downs are the norm and at first it was hard to embrace but now I embrace them all and I do so daily. The only way around it, is through it - face the challenges with a smile because the rewards are oh so sweet!
At Made in Everywhere, we promote living a purposeful life and doing what makes you happy and brings you the most joy - creativity, self-expression, love, peace, it all starts with you.
We help micro-entrepreneurs take their products to the market by providing marketing and branding assistance through our online marketplace.
Go on, be the best YOU today and everyday, and let us help you build your brand.
Best,
Natasha (Co-founder)
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Hello weekend!
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The full (unedited) story of how it all started...
Planting a seed - the protea seed….the untold story of how it really started.
One fateful day many years ago (a little more than 3 years ago) co-founder of Made in Everywhere – Michelle Talliard set out to meet Charles Maisel who at the time was associated with CWD (Catholic Welfare Development).
The meeting was prompted by an article in a local newspaper highlighting a Women’s savings club “5-in-6” and other initiatives started by the very passionate program/project manager from CWD. Passion and an obvious love for development coupled with an easy-going demeanour simply facilitated the flow of conversation. Buzzwords such as “social entrepreneur”; “social mobility” “economic mobility”; “branding” all part of the conversation.
From the outset, it was evident – there was potential for collaboration.
Weeks later and the somewhat random meeting spiralled into talk about a partnership (between 5-in-6 project & Instinctive PR) and nomination for Ashoka –(Urban Marketing). Instinctive PR would endorse brands through the 5-in-6 project. Urban Marketing, later also referred to as Pampoenkraal (quoted as original farm name, later known as Mitchells Plain) vision to develop a fig farm was shelved as it was viewed as preposterous by some. The Ashoka nomination was premature, there was no business case, there was no evidence that this “branding of townships by way of products” was successful.
Back to the drawing board – back to formal employment. Get a real job!
Over the years switching roles between full-time employee, part-time dreamer, future entrepreneur and staying under the radar of like-minded people; the co-founder held onto the seed, visualising bringing about change and facilitating change in forgotten places and highlighting unique, positive stories of forgotten communities.
Also, engaging with a brand guru, simply as a sounding board for advice and how to bring about the big, bold, rebranding idea for the forgotten towns. In retrospect, these maverick approaches somehow kept the seed alive / dream alive.
The point to highlight and going back to the intro “planting a seed” – That fateful day, a seed was planted. Those of you with an agricultural background and interest in gardening will know about germination of seeds and conditions that will bring about successful germination.
In relation to the start-up Made in Everywhere - germination, incubation only took effect 2013 and then a slight pause, and finally sprouting in 2016.
The Made in Everywhere journey could be likened to the evolution of dormancy in the protea species; weird as it may appear – it is a fact, that some seeds must be burnt to the ground before it shows any potential for germination. Made in Everywhere received a spark, a flame was ignited and the vision was realised.
Perhaps the secret of this success story has something to do with the “fig farm history” – who knows! But one thing for sure it’s got to do with persistence, tenacity, patience, faith. The conditions that make it conducive for entrepreneurs to thrive and realise their dreams; not forgetting proper mentorship and support from like-minded folk.
A quote that sums up the journey for Made in Everywhere “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet” -Jean Jacques Rousseau
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