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Courtney Merle fell pregnant while studying education, but when she gave birth prematurely at 32 weeks and her daughter was diagnosed with Trisomy 21, Down’s Syndrome, she knew that the long hours working for someone else and the lack of freedom was not going to work going forward with the needs that would now need to be met with her daughter. “My amazing mother and I both quit our employment and started Social Cause Agency together, where we help out numerous charities by having a charity shop,” says Courtney. “During lockdown many people lost their jobs and I saw a need to open a second shop, where local crafters and businesses who couldn’t afford to rent out an entire outlet could have an opportunity to sell their items and grow their businesses.”

Courtney started off small with a 40sqm shop in Pinetown, and a year later launched Mila-Grace in Botha’s Hill – a 200sqm shop. “Mila-Grace is a legacy I started for my daughter, I am hoping with the lack of jobs for people with disabilities that moving forward she will be able to be a huge part of running her own shop – as well as offer opportunities to others with disabilities to be employed,” says Courtney. “We hope to eventually have many Mila-Grace stores all around and expand our little idea to many new areas.”

Mila-Grace is very family oriented and everyone has had a huge part in its success. “Being a mom to a special needs child, the importance of education and awareness around Down’s Syndrome to me is huge. In a country where not much support is offered for those with disabilities, it becomes a mom’s responsibility to provide that support, awareness and showcase their capabilities and prove how amazing they are and what a huge part of our economy and lives they can be if we afford them the opportunity. I am very blessed to have an amazing husband who works tirelessly with me and has helped grow Mila-Grace. My mom is also very involved.”

Stand a chance to win a fabulous hamper FOR MORE INFO: courtney@milagrace.co.za; containing all 8 Tipsy Cup flavours! 073 052 4599 Enter via www.famousdurban.co.za

Cheryl Klug (nee Roentgen) and Sharlene Schulze (nee Lind Larsen) have collaborated on a brand new bespoke men’s range of waistcoats, flat caps, man bags and accessories. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, Cheryl’s grandfather, was the German mechanical engineer and physicist, who, on November 8, 1895, produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays – an achievement that earned him the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

“Both Cheryl and I love our history and roots, German and dare I say Viking,” laughs Sharlene – whose grandparents were Norwegian settlers. “So the hipster, tattooed, biker, casual but spunky and edgy look both suit our personalities and passion for hard work – with an edge of class, fi nesse and sophistication.”

The dynamic duo have so many ideas for growing the brand. “First we will add kiddies waistcoats and flat caps to the range. Men’s crossbody sling bags are already in production, and there’s much more in the pipeline. Our range lends itself to the modern groom and groomsmen, so watch our space for all things men’s accessory-wise.”

FOR MORE INFO: sharlene.schulze@gmail. com; 083 635 0744

“I was very fortunate, growing up in a game reserve,” says Sharon James – who has always been an entrepreneur at heart. “At the age of 14, my gran taught me to knit on her knitting machine, so over weekends I would knit fi ve black jerseys for local schools and then pay my gran to sew them up for me. That way I made good pocket money.”

Sharon is always thinking of better ways to tackle things, or better ways to make things work. “My husband and I live to travel. We are constantly on the lookout for a good special or somewhere different,” she says. “It was on one of these trips, in 2016, that we were on a long layover in Dubai and a family came and sat next to us. They had made their own suitcase cotton covers, the idea then resonated in the pit of my stomach and I Googled case covers.”

Back home, with the help of her sister Jenny, who is a designer, the prototype was made. “I travelled with it and saw where the problem areas were. I have changed the design slightly four times, and now we are happy.”

Case Closed offers unique suitcase covers, making your luggage easily identifi able on the conveyor belt. “No one will take your case by accident, it discourages theft, and protects suitcases from scratches and general travel damage. It’s a lightweight stretch fabric which fi ts most cases, offers fun designs – and lovely corporate branding and personalised covers are also available. Last but not least, no plastic is used – the covers are washable and reusable. “It takes a village to raise a child, I have surrounded myself with a group of people who each specialise in their fi eld – from my website designer and social media family, to my graphics lady, the printers, the CMT factory, and last but not least Doreen who does quality control and packs each order. I could not run this business without all of them,” says Sharon.

FOR MORE INFO: sharon@caseclosed.co.za; www.caseclosed.co.za; 082 774 4788

Stand a chance to win a cover of your choice from the Case Closed website! Enter via www.famousdurban.co.za

Jenni Jackson has loved cooking as long as she can remember. “Growing up on a farm there were always events – such as bull sales and farmers meetings that needed catering for,” she says.

Jenni, who loves sourcing ideas and developing new recipes, could see that there was a need to provide a service to people who did not want animal products in their food. Not so fond of all the contrived food substitutes that are available to vegans, Jenni’s food philosophy has always been to keep it simple. “I studied food and nutrition, so there has always been a tendency to keep food healthy and natural,” she says. “Make it delicious and do it with love … but don’t try to get too clever.” Karma Free Kitchen prepares meals that are wholesome, nutritious, fi lling and healthy. “Eating a plant based diet is not just vegetables – there is a world of nuts, beans, and lentils that are full of flavour and protein. We take the time to make our own stocks and slow cook the beans to get the best nutritional value – these processes take time and most of us who work are time poor. We aim to support busy people by giving options that can help them maximise family time and provide meals so life is more than cook, sleep, work.”

Available at local supermarkets, lots of coffee shops and online, Karma Free Kitchen has 12 offerings – with two more coming soon. Jenni’s favourite is spaghetti and lentil balls. “I am a comfort queen,” she laughs – adding that she employs two lovely ladies who prepare all the food, and can cater for weddings, parties and corporate events.

www.karmafreekitchen.co.za

World Optometry Week was celebrated in style at Watercrest Mall, with 80 children with compromised vision who are unable to afford eye care each receiving a free pair of prescription spectacles – thanks to the collaborative joint efforts of the Order of St John and Ster-Kinekor.

“This is life changing!” enthused fi rst-time spectacle wearer, 15-year-old Okuhle Mthembu. “You have no idea. Now, today, for the fi rst time ever, I can see properly. I just keep wanting to take my spectacles on and off to compare the difference. Seeing everything so clearly is absolutely magnifi cent!” Okuhle was one of 30 children who attended a special fi lm screening and hand-over ceremony at Watercrest’s Ster-Kinekor on March 25. Since 2018, the eye clinic at local government Northdale Hospital has been experiencing a critical backlog with their ability to dispense spectacles – such is the demand for eye care from people unable to afford private options. St John’s Eye Clinic in Pietermaritzburg, on hearing about Northdale’s predicament, appealed to Ster-Kinekor’s proactive Vision Mission CSI project requesting their help. Without hesitation, the team from Vision Mission came onboard to offer support.

FOR MORE INFO: www.watercrestmall.co.za; www.stjohn.org.za; www.sterkinekor.com

Watermate specialises in rainwater collection and filtration, supply and installation of most water filters and related products, and water storage tanks.

For fast, friendly and efficient advice or service, call Mark on 082 311 9969 www.watermate.co.za