The thrumming sounds of busy sewing machines filter through the open door that connects the shop front of local business Mia Mélange to its’ manufacturing floor, which is clearly visible to the public.
The open door and uniform hum of sewing machines give the shop an air of openness, productivity and pride in its employees. The glass shop front adds to the air of openness about Mia Mélange, showing off their neatly arrayed luxury products to anybody and everybody.
Jeanneke Malan in the Mia Mélange shop. PHOTO: Michael Davidson
Mia Danieli started the brand of luxury textile products in 2014 and it has since been taken over by Jeanneke Malan and her husband Simon. Jeanneke has a clear vision in mind for what she wants Mia Mélange to become.
“Taking over Mia Mélange was an exciting process,” she says as she looks up from her laptop. One half of the screen is taken up by a detailed excel spreadsheet, whilst the other half shows an email waiting to be sent to her suppliers.
“South Africa’s astronomical unemployment rate is a cause for concern. When I came across Mia Mélange, I saw a great opportunity for growth that could create many employment opportunities. My aim is to grow the business and train and employ more women from the community.”
Looking back through the doorway to the manufacturing floor reveals a number of women and a man working industriously at sewing machines. Five sets of eyes focused on the jackhammer-like needles of the sewing machines in front of them. Their hands maneuver the cotton cord that they are slowly shaping into baskets.
“There were two permanent staff members when we took over,” she gestures towards two of the women behind the machines. “Babsy and Bernay. Fortunately they’ve both decided to stay on. Their work is excellent.” Jeanneke looks over at the other women, “there are two other women that have recently joined our team, Sandra and Bonita.”
Lastly she points to another sewing machine that is not lined up with the other four. It is facing the other way completely, the man sitting in front of it gets up to fetch more material to sew. She explains that it is the newest machine they’ve put in. They’re rapidly increasing their manufacturing capability to keep up with their orders and using the small space as effectively as they can.
“We also have a gentleman, Phillips, who has recently started training. We plan on opening a retail store at the Watershed in the V&A Waterfront where we’ll be appointing one full-time and one part-time team member.”
Bernay (front) and Babsy (back) working on baskets. PHOTO: Michael Davidson
Jeanneke stops to adjust something on one of the machines. She sits down in front of it, rethreading a thin black thread through the loop in the machine and aligning the needle. A satisfied look crosses her face as everything seems to be in order again.
Standing up, she begins to speak excitedly about Mia Mélange’s future plans. “We’re receiving more and more orders from across the globe, so our international footprint is expanding rapidly. We’ve had a lot of interest from some very high-end customers that will be testing our range soon.”
From the front of the shop you can hear a conversation start up between Simon and a customer that has just walked in. Jeanneke turns and begins to walk back towards the entrance, heading towards the sound of the voices.
As she begins to head back she finishes explaining her plans for the near future, “I will be traveling to Berlin next month to learn from major players in the textile industry and to meet potential partners. Locally, we’ll soon be supplying some prestigious art institutes. As previously mentioned, we plan on opening a store at the V&A Waterfront, so our footprint as a South African retailer is expanding too.”
Walking back into the shop front, Simon and some customers are seen discussing whether or not they can fit a small potted tree into a large Mia Mélange basket. “I have a few more of these, so if it fits I’ll need baskets for the rest,” says a female customer with shoulder length brown hair, as one of the gentleman accompanying her places the pot in the basket. The pot fits.
From left to right: Jeanneke, Simon and some customers discussing basket size. PHOTO: Michael Davidson
As the happy customers leave, Jeanneke and Simon move behind the front desk to get back to managing the business. Simon’s phone rings and he is soon engrossed in an important conversation.You can see an idea cross Jeanneke’s mind as she sits down in front of her keyboard again. Before she gets back to work, she decides to leave some parting advice for young entrepreneurs.
“Never underestimate the value of hard work. In order to be successful in your endeavor, you will need to work extremely hard. Make use of all the resources out there. Read business books, read books by leaders you admire and seek advice from other business people. Always remain optimistic.
“Planning is important, but doing is more important. Fail fast, learn quickly, and move on. Get your minimum viable product out there as soon as possible and don’t become emotionally attached to it. If it doesn’t work, it’s okay to can it, learn from it and move to the next thing. Enjoy the journey, not only the destination.”
Jeanneke and Simon getting back to work. PHOTO: Michael Davidson
For those interested in stopping by Mia Mélange, it is situated at 32 Ryneveld Street.