WATCH: Young Parkrand sisters weave dreams into reality with handmade business
This Youth Month, sisters Skyla and Jemma Smith are making waves with Harmony Crafters: Homemade with Love, a passion-fueled business offering unique handmade treasures.
This Youth Month, two spirited young entrepreneurs from Parkrand, Jemma (15) and Skyla Smith (13), are turning heads and warming hearts with their creative business, Harmony Crafters – Home of Woven & Fresh, SketchDreamz and SkyStarArt.
What started as a hobby has blossomed into a vibrant small business that reflects not only their talent but also their dedication and teamwork.
The sisters began their individual craft ventures in early 2023. From crochet to painting and jewelry making, each pursued her own creative path. However, in November of 2024, they decided to join forces with their mom creating an umbrella company. Combining SketchDreamz, SkyStarArt and Woven & Fresh Boutique.
“Our mom taught us a lot of different crafts over the years and guides us now with business skills.
“We both had our own websites at one point, but we thought why not combine everything and create something beautiful together? That’s how Harmony Crafters – Home of Woven & Fresh, SketchDreamz and SkyStarArt was born.”
The name “Harmony Crafters” symbolises their union, both as siblings and artists, while their slogan “Homemade with Love” expresses the care and time poured into each piece they create.
“We don’t mass-produce. Everything is made with our hands, our time, and our hearts,” added Jemma.
Their business offers an impressive variety of handmade goods – crochet pieces and blankets, amigurumi (adorable crocheted stuffed toys), custom sketches and paintings, rock paintings with positive messages, knitted accessories, bracelets, waist beads, and earrings, colourful sun catchers and custom 3D-printed figurines and décor.
While their artworks are appreciated, their top sellers are crochet items and jewelry.
“People really love the bracelets and crochet stuff the most.
“Those items tend to sell quickly at markets and online,” said Skyla.
Starting a business at a young age, however, has not been without its challenges.
“Sometimes we can’t afford to restock materials and go to bigger markets, so we have to choose.”
“But we developed a system where half the money we make goes back into the business for supplies, and the other half we keep to re-invest in the business for tables, branding and markets. We sometimes get really rude customers. However, we do not let that get to us and always make sure to treat them with kindness,” Jemma said.
Despite the financial hurdles, the girls never let obstacles get in their way.
“At one point, we really wanted to give up, but we kept pushing. Our advice to other young people: Never give up. Everyone has to start somewhere,” said Jemma.
Regardless of the weather, you can find the girls under their gazebo, proudly displaying their crafts outside their home on Sundays or at weekend markets around Gauteng.
Their consistency and cheerful presence have earned them loyal supporters.
“We try post on social media every day. That helps us stay connected with our customers and show what we’re working on,” they said.
Balancing school and business takes discipline, and their parents have played a huge role.
“Our parents help a lot. We always prioritise schoolwork first. Then we make time for the business in the afternoons and on weekends.”
Jemma, who dreams of becoming a graphic designer, has already earned a few online course certificates to sharpen her skills. Skyla, with a love for fine arts, hopes to one day become a full-time painter. Their creative dreams fuel their entrepreneurial drive.
Their mother, Tina Smith, beams with pride.
“I’ve seen such growth in them, not just as artists, but as young businesswomen. They’ve learned so much in a short time: budgeting, customer service, teamwork, marketing to name a few. Real world skills school doesn’t always teach.”
As Harmony Crafters continues to grow, the Smith sisters remain grounded and grateful.
“We want to thank our mom, dad, two brothers and all the people who support us. They’ve helped make our dream a reality.”
“We will continue being loyal and hope that one day we have an establishment and also create job opportunities.”
To follow their journey or reach out to them. Visit them on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok: Harmony Crafters. Or call 081 248 1945 or email them: Smith.tina52@gmail.com.
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