Moshibudi Michelle Mokone

What does your company do?

Mo’s Crib is an innovative and sustainable homeware company founded by sisters Morongwe and Moshibudi Mokone. The company is dedicated to crafting stylish, high-quality products from recycled and environmentally non-invasive materials. Our journey began at a local craft market, and we have since grown into a recognized brand supplying major retailers like Woolworths, Mr. Price Home, @home, and exporting to international giants such as Target and Crate & Barrel. We craft unique items such as PVC baskets and grass homeware pieces such as basketry, decor items and even outdoor furniture all handmade by skilled artisans. Our focus on sustainability, innovation, and ethical practices ensures that our products are not only beautiful and durable but also contribute positively to the environment and communities. We embrace a circular economy ethos, minimizing waste and maximizing positive environmental impact. By collaborating with local artisans and supporting grassroots organizations, we foster collective learning, skill-sharing, and capacity-building.

What is your biggest success?

Our biggest success in just 5 years of launching Mo’s Crib has been our incredible growth from a humble 2 square meter market stall to a global brand with a presence in the USA, Canada, UAE, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. Starting as a small player in the homeware industry, we've achieved remarkable milestones by securing blue-chip clients like Woolworths, @home, and Mr Price Home in South Africa. Maintaining and growing these relationships has been a significant achievement. Our ability to maintain stakeholder relationships is also reflected in our employee relationships; since inception, we have achieved 100% retention, which speaks volumes about our ethical business practices. And we do this sustainably, prioritizing eco-friendly practices and ethical production every step of the way.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Our biggest hurdle has been navigating the complexities of scaling our production while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. While many might mention funding as a common challenge, we believe this is something every business faces. For Mo's Crib, a particularly raw and authentic challenge was dealing with the sudden surge in demand that outpaced our production capabilities. This wasn't just about producing more products, but ensuring each item met our high standards of quality and sustainability. Balancing rapid growth with our core values and not compromising on our ethical practices was incredibly challenging. There were moments of doubt and pressure to cut corners, but we stayed true to our principles, even when it meant slower growth. This commitment to integrity and sustainability, though difficult, has ultimately strengthened our brand and built trust with our customers and stakeholders.