The business began during the Covid-19 lockdown, when Mari de Villiers started making soft toys as a hobby. She was expecting to become a grandmother and wanted to make items for her grandchild's nursery, said the owner of Biari Baby Boutique.

“My biggest inspiration was that I knew I will become a grandma soon. I also got very positive feedback from people, telling me that I must promote my products, then I created my own business.”

De Villiers said the first products she made were a corduroy pillow and a small doll. “I also made rabbits, which were very popular from the beginning. I then realised there was a demand for handmade baby products, so I decided to create a profile to promote my products.”

One of her biggest challenges was sourcing materials during the lockdown, as she could not buy all the materials she needed. Markets were also not allowed to operate at the time. “At the end of May I was able to reach more people through social media and word of mouth.”

Mari de Villiers. Photo: Get IT

De Villiers said her products are unique because they are handmade and personalised according to each customer’s request. She added that customers cannot find the same products in a retail shop.

“A lot of time goes into planning and making each product, but I enjoy every moment of creating a unique product for each and every customer.”

De Villiers said her proudest moment is receiving photos from customers showing babies sleeping under the blankets she made and cuddling with the rabbits.

“That's the proudest moment, you know, they're happy, and hopefully we will be able to make the mothers’ and babies’ dreams come true in the future as well.”

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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