
This week, we chat with mother- daughter duo Samantha Simmons and Nicolette Hill about Cactus East London, the small business they run together.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: We are primarily an online flea market and gift shop which includes handmade bags, beanbags, cooler bags place mats, kitchen sets, oven mittens and scrunchies. We also work to order where people can order an item, select their preference and collect once it is ready. Customers can approach us with a request, and we can do our best to meet it as close and efficiently as possible.
Q: What inspired you to start this business venture?
A: We started our business in 2018 as a small sideline hobby. We attended our first market at Beaconhurst School in August 2019 where we did well with only one line of scrunchies. We saw a gap in the market for high quality handmade products at affordable prices and it snowballed from there. We now have more than 50 different products available.
Q: What experience does one need to be able to do your work? Where did your experience come from?
A: In this line of work, you need to have a creative mindset as you create something from scratch by either following a pattern, or making your own patterns. You must be able to adapt to the new and upcoming trends, have good perseverance and a passion for what you are doing. You also need to be quick thinking and proactive as the gap in the market does not last for long. My mom was taught to sew by my gran, who also has a small sewing business. She improved over the years by learning how to use different machines and techniques and how to work with a wide range of fabrics.
Q: How many people do you currently work with?
A: The business is run by us — a mother- daughter duo.
Q: What satisfaction do you get out of doing the work that you do?
A: It’s a good feeling to see the smiles on our customers’ faces when you have exceeded their expectations. We also enjoy the creative side of it, as you get to play around and explore various ideas and options while seeing what will work in today’s market.
Q: What do you think makes your work stand out from other similar ventures in the area?
A: Our choice of prints and our versatile products. We try to bring new items into our lines regularly, which keeps customers coming back as they will always find something they didn’t know they needed.
Q: Who is your target market?
A: Our target market is so wide. We cater for little children right through to granny and grandpa. We are so versatile that you could find something for everyone in the family at our store.
Q: What goals are you working towards?
A: We aim to be one of the biggest gift stores in our area and to expand our reach. We are already supplying customers in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Namibia.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone starting their own business?
A: You must be willing to adapt your products to market needs. You need to be versatile, hardworking and observant. You need to have a passion for what you do and to persevere, as nothing happens overnight.
Q: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
A: Cactus is homegrown and it’s thanks to the support of our customers, both old and new. The support is greatly appreciated. We would love to meet some new faces so please pop into our stall when you see us at a market or follow us on Facebook to see what new goodies we have. We also have a monthly raffle where you can win a hamper either for yourself or for gifting.
Q: Where can our readers find you? (contact details/social media)
A: Facebook: Cactus East London, Instagram: @Cactus.el07, Email: Cactuseastlondon@gmail.com, WhatsApp/calls: 082-558-9502/ 082-979-8814, Address: 130 Beach Road, Nahoon (by appointment only).