With the current COVID-19 outbreak wreaking havoc on our South African economy and our healthcare system, we find ourselves in an undeniably tricky time. Added to this is the 21 Day Lockdown which President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday 23 March, which means more local businesses will not only suffer but possibly close down. Now more than ever it’s crucial to do our bit to support local businesses so they can keep their doors open. While we can’t leave our homes unnecessarily, we can still buy products online and have them delivered after the lockdown has been lifted. This way we can help others while still adhering to the rules of the presidency.
Here are 21 small businesses you can support during the lockdown:
Beauty / Skincare:
1. Lulu & Marula
Lulu & Marula is an all-natural, ethically-produced skincare brand based in Cape Town. A collection of face and body care products, Lulu & Marula creates conscious, scientifically formulated skincare that works with the skin to balance and boost its natural processes.
Endorsed by the Beauty Without Cruelty association, their products are not tested on animals and ingredients are all natural. Shop their amazing skin and body range online at luluandmarula.co.za.
Delivery may be delayed but you will receive your goods and you will be assisting a small business in keeping their doors open!
2. Meraki
Meraki Aesthetics Cape Town is a beauty salon offering clients a private space to disconnect, relax, and rejuvenate. It’s an environment free from stress and unnecessary complications and it operates in an eco-friendly, water-wise manner while maintaining a high-level of hygiene and beauty standards. Support them by buying a voucher to be used later – you can make your booking online at merakicapetown.co.za.
3. Earth and Kin Naturals
This natural beauty brand uses cold-pressed plant extracts to create small-batch, vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free products that nourish, enhance and soothe your beautiful skin. Their motto is that the products you put on your skin should be as natural, healthy and wholesome as the food you put in your mouth.
Find and order their gorgeous range of items at earthandkin.com.
Fashion:
4. JADE
This niche jewellery brand finds inspiration and beauty from around the world and translates it into wearable pieces of art.
Internationally sourced raw pearls and semi-precious gems are locally crafted and creatively curated, providing customers with one-of-a-kind jewellery adornments.
JADE provides both local and international jewellery enthusiasts with a variety of accessible ready-made and custom pieces, as well as products for wholesale. You can shop online at jade-sa.co.za and buy vouchers as gifts to support this local business.
ALSO SEE: How To Protect Your Finances During The COVID-19 Outbreak
5. Rosette Jewellery
If you’re looking for custom-made, quality jewellery without a hefty retail price tag, this is the store. Based in Cape Town, Rosette Jewellery creates stunning made-to-order pieces with quality diamonds and gemstones that have laboratory certification.
All you have to do is email or call Amber to discuss your vision and she’ll take care of the rest! Check out her online portfolio on Instagram and order your bespoke piece today.
6. Turkey Dimple
One of our favourite small businesses you can support during the lockdown is Turkey Dimple.
Shalain Gregson makes adorable, detailed, whimsical jewellery and accessories from polymer clay. Whether you shop her existing range or request a custom piece, each item is sculpted by hand and made with love. Order now and have your creation delivered after the lockdown.
7. Hometime Sleepwear
This Durban-based brand believes that you should look and feel fabulous even when you’re asleep.
Using fabrics that are both locally sourced and imported, Hometime Sleepwear produces everything from PJs and gowns in tropical prints to chill pants and nightshirts.
Shop their beautiful range at hometimesleepwear.co.za or subscribe to their newsletter to be informed about sales and new collections.
8. Nightire
Nightire was born out of a personal quest by founder Nina to understand what is necessary for a good night’s sleep. The right sleepwear can make a huge difference, so Nina came up with a range that is functional, beautiful and affordable.
Her collection features pyjamas in different lengths and cuts that are made of 100% organic bamboo, making them soft, comfortable, and temperature-regulating.
Shop her stunning items at nightire.com and treat yourself with a eye mask or scrunchie while you’re at it!
Food:
9. Arthur’s Mini Super
A speciality grocery store in Cape Town’s trendy suburb of Sea Point has grown a loyal following in just a short time of being open. Buy a voucher from them which you can redeem once the lockdown is over, and scroll through their Instagram profile to see all of the lovely fresh produce, epicurean sandwiches, jams, marmalades and cured meats available.
TRY OUR RECIPE: Carrot Salad With Spiced Chickpeas Recipe
10. Natura Sugars
Natura Sugars is a range of unrefined sugars made from lush ripe canes cultivated in Mauritius. Their Molasses Sugar should be at the top of your grocery list for its immune-boosting properties.
A study carried out by the Biopharmaceutical Unit of the Centre for Biomedical and Materials Research (Mauritius Research Council) at the University of Mauritius has revealed that Mauritian Special Sugars have better antioxidant potency than refined sugar, with Molasses having the highest antioxidant potential.
Find their products online at faithful-to-nature.co.za.
11. Fresch Online
In our quest to find small businesses you can support during the lockdown, Fresch online was one of the first to spring to mind.
This innovative company was born out of a desire to modernise the way customers shop for their dry goods and pantry staples. We particularly like the look of their superfood mixes that you can use to make lattes of different hues, smoothies, or as a yummy topping for your oats.
Fresch online’s slogan is “Yesch Please!”, so order a box, test their service, and you’ll know why!
ALSO SEE: Superfoods you have to try
12. The Munching Mongoose
Need some staples delivered to your door? The Munching Mongoose is a Johannesburg-based organic grocery delivery service that prides itself on getting you the best products so you’re able to create healthy and wholesome meals for your family.
Customise your box by choosing from a host of ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers.
13. Macro Mixes
Macro Mixes helps busy people eat better.
These high-protein, sugar-free and calorie-controlled baking premixes and porridges will help you overcome your obstacles to delicious and nutritious eating. Their streamlined order and distribution system makes obtaining their products convenient and their 100% compostable packaging strives for minimal negative environmental impact.
14. The Refillery
New to the retail scene, The Refillery is a completely plastic-free store for kitchen and household staples. They have two physical stores in Morningside and Cedar Square that will remain open, albeit with shorter hours. You are also encouraged to shop online and have it delivered to your door or you can pick up in store.
Stock up on items like olive oil, dishwashing liquid and, very importantly, plenty of chocolate chips.
Beverages:
15. Wijn Bar
Wijn Bar in Paarl is focused on presenting unique wines and pairing them with great food. It allows everyone, no matter your wine knowledge or expertise, to discover, taste, enjoy, and take home amazing wines.
Now you can purchase mixed cases of exclusive wines at cellar door prices (often not available anywhere else) on their online store, Wijnwinkel.
Visit wijnbar.co.za or contact the team at [email protected].
16. Father Coffee
Some of us will only get through the next few months with the help of excellent coffee.
Father Coffee roastery is on our list of small businesses you can support during the lockdown! Luckily, they are taking orders now and shipping them all over South Africa from 20 April.
Stay in touch with their offerings via their Instagram page and stock up on one of the best brands for speciality coffee roasts and blends in the country.
ALSO SEE: Go Green With These Reduced-Packaging Grocery Stores
Travel:
17. Treedom Villas and Vardos
Situated on the unspoilt coast of the Garden Route in the little town of Wilderness, Treedom Villas and Vardos will take your breath away.
With one exclusive luxury villa that sleeps four, and future plans to build more units in the style of Gypsy Wagons (Vardos) Treedom Villa is a luxury home in the middle of a forest. Its open, double-volume space has a large expanse of windows, immersing you in the unspoilt natural surroundings.
To book and pay now but travel later, contact [email protected] and support local!
Gifting:
18. To Be Gift Boxes
To Be Gift Boxes are fast becoming the best gifts to give and receive. Created using beautiful and purposeful products, these gift boxes are ideal for Moms, Brides, Birthdays, Grandparents, Grooms, and others.
Shop their range of existing boxes or build your own at tobegiftboxes.com.
Home Decor:
19. Summerhouse
Summerhouse is your go-to shop for anything fabric related.
With a curated collection of home fabrics, plants, baskets, and gifting, Summerhouse will make your house a stunning home! They house a variety of ready-made cushion covers in beautiful designs, or you can create your own unique piece.
Submit your orders via WhatsApp (084 831 3142), or Instagram.
ALSO SEE: 5 Clever And Exquisite Ways To Spruce Up A Small Bathroom
Kids / Baby:
20. Tiny Tribe
Tiny Tribe specialises in simple, monochrome clothing and accessories for kids with cute and quirky prints. Their production process is 100% local, using locally-sourced fabrics and only local factories and suppliers.
Shop their great range on tinytribekids.com.
21. Smart Toy Club
Smart Toy Club is a monthly toy rental subscription where you receive a bag of sterilised toys, perfectly chosen for your child’s age and development. Your bag is delivered to your door, and the previous month’s bag is returned making the service super simple, affordable and sustainable. It also keeps your home clutter-free!
Your Smart Toy Club bag will always include educational toys, trendy tech toys, books, puzzles, and games.
Sign up on smarttoyclub.co.za – subscriptions start at just R299 per month.
ALSO SEE: Top Interior Decor Trends To Expect In 2020
Compiled by Food and Decor Editor, Claire Badenhorst; Features Writer, Andrea Cresswell; and Jana Leonard.
