One of the striking and colourful displays one notices when entering the CoCreate Hub in Stellenbosch, is the jewellery display belonging to Posh Curio Collective. The entrepreneur behind this brand is Portia Nzanzana who has lived in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch since 2009. Portia began creating her beaded jewellery in 2007 when display space became available and she identified a gap in the market. She started making simple necklaces, but soon found her own unique style and branched out into making earrings, bracelets, anklets, and necklaces that appeal to a wide market.
Together with selling her products in person, Portia created a website and started selling her products online. In 2019, just before the Covid-19 lockdown, she had started displaying and selling her range at the Stellenbosch tourist information office. With the tourism market grinding to a halt and local movement restricted, Portia spent six months unable to trade. Upon upon learning about the possibility of selling her products at the CoCreate Hub, Portia was excited and hopeful that her business would now have the opportunity to grow.
There are many things that Portia enjoys about being involved with the Hub. Most importantly is the fact that the Hub operates every day – meaning that her products are accessible and her brand is gaining exposure. The location of the CoCreate Hub is also ideal as it is central for local shoppers, but perfectly located for tourist traffic, one of Portia’s largest clientèle. Portia is also hoping to be able to pass on the skills she has learned by offering classes to young people, where they can learn about beading while creating a piece to take home.
For buyers, having a creator close by is wonderful, as Portia is able to take orders for bespoke pieces and can even do beading on clothing items or handbags on order. Her jewellery range also includes beaded sunglass-ties and fabric pieces. While Portia mostly works alone, she has a small team of ladies who assist her with bigger orders.
Portia describes herself as someone who enjoys challenges. She believes in the value of being willing to try new things to be able to keep her products fresh and exciting.
You can learn more about Portia and her products on her website or find her details on the CoCreate Hub Entrepreneurs page.
. . .
Images: Lizelle Lötter Photography and Sonya Olivier
Recent Comments