We love seeing small local businesses thrive, especially one’s that making home baking and cooking more enjoyable! Kate’s Kitchen Drawer calls Cape Town home and it’s your one-stop online store for affordable baking and kitchen packaging supplies that’s ethically sourced, ready to order and delivered straight to your door!
Everything from lunchbox packaging with cute stickers to all the baking and kitchen packaging essentials you can dream of is sorted in a few effortless clicks. Not only is this convenient because you shop from the comfort of your own home but you get to support local and kit out your kitchen for stylish baking success with Kate’s Kitchen Drawer.
We caught up with owner Kate du Toit – here’s what the local small business owner had to say:
Why did you start this business?
When the coronavirus pandemic reached South Africa and lockdown was implemented, many people were retrenched, let go from their jobs or placed on furlough. I started to notice, while having to be cooped up at home, that a lot of us turned to baking and cooking as a sort of side hustle, be it for a new source of income or just to cope with the stress of it all. For many people, this part-time project has now become their full-time job. At the same time, online shopping increased in South Africa, more than ever seen before.
Based on this and a few other reasons, I decided to launch Kate’s Kitchen Drawer. My aim is to inspire small- to medium-sized, locally run food businesses to become a part of a socially conscious, food-loving community by offering an easy channel to obtain high-quality packaging at affordable prices.
How long has it been in operation?
I launched online on 7 April 2021 but officially registered the business on 9 October 2020.
Who is the main target market?
Kate’s Kitchen Drawers’ target market is any small business related to the food industry. Whether it’s the home baker selling to friends and family, food market stalls, chef schools or farm stalls, if you’re looking for eco-friendly, superior packaging and want to support local, then Kate’s Kitchen Drawer is aimed at you!
How are things going – what are some of the challenges/highlights?
Like with any new, small business, you’re up against the giants of the retail sector who generally have their own packaging brand. This can be tough to compete with in the beginning. A start-up also requires a lot of time, persistence and adaptability. My biggest challenge is giving the business as much attention as it requires while still trying to juggle being a present mother to two small children. Having said that, the feedback I have received has been very encouraging and I’m slowly starting to reach more people not just in Cape Town but across the country. Shout out to all the home bakers in Pretoria for their amazing support! I’m also just about to launch a new eco-range, which focuses on providing baking paper and packaging products that are 100% biodegradable – wrapped in 100% biodegradable paper without compromising quality or performance.
What’s the long-term vision?
To turn Kate’s Kitchen Drawer into a thriving, profitable company. To expand the product offering, increase sustainability awareness, and employ ambitious women who can offer a different perspective on how to achieve success because I’m still learning too. And, of course, to continue to discuss and share all things food.
Who does the business employ?
At this stage, Kate’s Kitchen Drawer is a one-woman show made up of me, myself, and I. Once I have the resources to expand, I’ll be seeking out people specialising in sales and digital marketing.
READ: How to clean your kitchen using simple pantry staples
Let us know in the comments below about your favourite local small business venture to support.