Local creativity shines as Field Market puts women entrepreneurs in the spotlight
Parkmore’s August Field Market showcased the creativity of women entrepreneurs, while giving shoppers an opportunity to support small, locally-driven businesses.
The August edition of Field Market was more than a day of shopping and outdoor entertainment.
Held at Field and Study Park in Parkmore on August 8, a day before Women’s Day, the market put the spotlight on women entrepreneurs whose businesses have grown from passion, creativity, and, in some cases, unexpected changes in their careers.
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Visitors browsing the stalls were treated to a wide range of locally made products, offering an alternative to conventional gifts and the opportunity to support small businesses.
Among the traders was Shantal Jayanathan, founder of SJ’s Caterers, who introduced visitors to her handmade chocolate bombs.
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“Chocolate bomb is a bowl of chocolate. It’s filled with marshmallows and different fillings. So, when you place the bomb in a mug, and you pour hot milk or coffee, it melts into an absolute decadent drink with your marshmallows flirting on top.”
She added that what sets her products apart is that they are rare to find. “You don’t really find them in stores. They’re very artisan, every item is handmade. That’s what makes them different.”
Another entrepreneur at the market, Meggan Schaefer, has built a business from a number of creative pursuits after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted her career in the eventing industry.
“I self-published Collective Nouns for Africa, a Southern African wildlife book featuring animals, birds, mammals, and the collective nouns.
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“Then I started making marmalade, my signature product made from the rare Rex Union orange. My mother taught me how to make it so I would get some extra money. This year, I added the handmade toffee to my products and I’m hoping it will take off.”
Market organiser Handri Coolen expressed gratitude to the community for their support. “
This is what the market is all about, to get people outdoors in the park and just come and enjoy being outdoors. We are thankful for the support, because, without the support of the people, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”
With only four editions of the market left in 2026, Coolen said, to aspiring traders hoping to join the market, that the market is at full capacity for the remainder of the year, but interested traders can submit an expression of interest through the market’s website: www.fieldmarket.co.za.
“We follow a very specific approach. It’s expression of interest. It’s not an application. So, you express your interest, and then we will have a look at it and see if we can invite you to trade at the market.”
The next market will be on September 12.
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