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A little more about what we do
Each handmade upcycled bag we make, is the work of a differently-abled individual using their skill and creativity to realise greater independence and inclusion. Through training, workshops and opportunities, we are creating space for people who are often pushed to the margins of society, while also re-envisioning a kinder, inclusive economy.
What we're all about
Fundamental to our business is the empowerment of physically disabled individuals from disadvantaged communities in Cape Town. Society’s negative perceptions toward differently-abled bodies, coupled with the legacy of racial exclusion, compound their challenges to make them among the most vulnerable groups.
We create space for individuals to undertake creative, dignified work in a nurturing and communal environment. So, while we produce beautiful, environmentally responsible products, we also deliver an employment solution for differently-abled individuals.
Inspiration, founding, programme & curriculum
People with disabilities are often not given an equal start. School systems often fail to provide structured support, and sometimes even well-intended special-needs programmes further reinforce their alienation. As a result, they can struggle to cultivate the self-confidence and social skills necessary to develop holistically.
Our projects marry creative, therapeutic methods with skills development, while fostering social networks for crucial long-term stability. Economic participation is key to resilience and inclusion, and part of our larger project of challenging society’s perceptions about people who have disabilities.
Project 1: Flouwer Love Project
Made from upcycled flour packaging, repurposed clothing/fabrics and reclaimed seatbelts, our Flouwer Love range has the potential to highlight your logo, or cause, through custom printing, while expressing the unique mark of each skilled maker.
It all starts with an industrial flour package – used once and destined for the landfill. Our makers source this sturdy paper packaging from local magwenya shops, or well-established bakeries in their communities – communities where access to municipal recycling services is not a given. Makers then repair the packets with postal tape and podge, and then cure and sew them into totes, using domestic sewing machines. Each one is hand-painted, lino printed and embroidered with patches.
The bags are thereby transformed into creatively re-imagined tote bags, designed for many uses to come, which can be counted using the bag’s tags. Each bag is also outfitted with a transparency label that informs the buyer what remuneration the maker receives for the product.