Keep it stylish the local way with Summer and Jet

Casual, stylish, quality: these are the three words that inspired the look and feel of the oh-so-beautiful Summer and Jet bag brand born in Westbrook.

Janine van Rooyen is a proudly local mom, full-time corporate career woman and creative spirit whose passion project has blossomed into a little family business.

“I have always loved fabrics and bags and started playing around with designs and sewing at home for fun one day.

“My family liked what I was doing and my friends started asking me to make them bags,” said Janine.

Being an industrious busy bee who is deeply rooted in her community, Janine started exploring the idea of starting a little business.

“My husband knows I am always full of ideas and luckily he is really supportive. When I mentioned to him that I am going to start selling bags – he jumped on board and now he shows everyone he meets photos of my creations.”

Knowing she wanted to create a natural product and did not want to import anything, she found an old-school leather artisan in Durban and a company that could print custom designs on 100 percent cotton for her.

“I would say 80 percent of the fabric is custom design and I am busy phasing out any bought fabrics. I am also working on a range of accessories which are beaded by unemployed ladies from a village in Hammersdale.”

Her bags have an elegant, fresh SA vibe featuring botanical designs and even some sexy animal prints mixed with beautiful leather work to create one-of-a-kind laptop bags, totes, cosmetic and sling bags.

“Having a stressful job, Summer & Jet has been such a creative outlet for me and a space where I can just have fun. I get such a kick when one of my clients message to say they love their bag – it is so rewarding.”

When it came to finding a name, Janine said she did not have to think twice.

“The name, Summer and Jet, came from my children – ten-year-old Summer and six-year-old Jethro. I hope to create a little legacy for my children to give them a family business that they could one day go into.”

Find Summer and Jet on Instagram @summer_and_jet or check out their newly launched online store summerandjet.co.za

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