Lowveld’s Entrepreneur of the week: Gwen-Mari Greeff
The young entrepreneur uses cork and genuine leather fabrics to make her handbags and wallets.
Name: Gwen-Mari Greeff
Gwen-Mari Creations
Gwen-Mari Greeff is finally doing what she had dreamed of doing as a little girl: designing and hand-making handbags and unique jackets that cannot be found anywhere else.
Born in Lydenburg and now based in White River, Greeff said she did a lot of research to see if there would be a market for her hand-made designs. After making a few products, she then created her website, selling her authentic products online, until lockdown restrictions were lifted and she was able to start selling her wares at local markets.
“It’s been a lot of work so far but it’s really worth it when I’m walking in town and I see someone wearing one of my jacket or carrying a handbag that I made,” she said.
Greeff works from a small workshop at her White River home, with all her profits being used to go back into building her business.
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She said what she really wants, however, is to open her own shop. The young entrepreneur said she uses cork and genuine leather fabrics to make her handbags and wallets.
“I love working with more natural fibers in my handbags. My jean jackets are made out of denim that I hand paint with a special fabric paint,” she said.
“The community is the foundation of my business and as a creative person I draw a lot of inspiration from the community around me,” she said.
To buy or order products from Greeff, you can visit her website on www.gwen-maricreations.co.za or people can make private appointments by emailing admin@gwen-maricreations.co.za or contacting her on 078 340 5035.
