When most people were binge-watching soapies during the Covid lockdown, Hope Mampa was busy building a brand with nothing but yarn, a hook, and her grandmother’s lessons.

Read more: Empowerment session backs Alexandra’s women entrepreneurs

At 27, she’s the founder of Hoppe Crafts, a crochet business born in Alexandra. Mampa shared how her passion for the craft began with a simple moment; she was watching her grandmother crochet with expert precision, her hands moving with practised speed, guiding the crochet hook through loops of yarn with the ease of someone who has stitched through both joy and hardship. Intrigued, she asked her grandmother to teach her. “That moment sparked a lifelong passion for the craft,” she noted.

In 2020, when the world shut down and businesses closed their doors because of the pandemic, Hope opened up and started crocheting accessories at home. Driven by encouragement from her community, she said she later expanded her catalogue to include clothing and home décor.

Also read: Women entrepreneurs in Alexandra mobilise for an empowerment session

“By listening to the needs [of the people] around me, I transformed my hobby into a thriving business that now serves a growing customer base. Every stitch is a step towards creating something beautiful.”

She is motivated by knowing that taking a step and getting yourself to do something, however small, will eventually lead to something meaningful.

With a diploma in hospitality and current studies in business management, Hope is blending her creative instinct with entrepreneurial acumen, a combination poised to make her business a success. She’s part of a new wave of Alexandra entrepreneurs who are young, ambitious, and deeply connected to their communities.
Her message to fellow entrepreneurs is clear: “Never give up. Keep taking steps forward. Each effort brings you closer to your vision.”

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!