Cape Town, September 2024 – Five emerging creative entrepreneurs have been selected to join the next cohort of the Watershed Design Lab, a retail incubator run in collaboration between the Craft and Design Institute (CDI) and the V&A Waterfront. This year’s cohort includes Tiger Lily Tots, Thabo Makhetha, Lindo Leather, Meraki Accessories, and Shumba Bags and Accessories—all rising brands poised to make an impact in the retail space.
These entrepreneurs were carefully hand-picked by the CDI and the V&A Waterfront, both of which share a mission to uplift and nurture local talent in the creative industry. The selection was based on their passion, dedication to their craft, and their strong drive to succeed in the competitive retail market. As part of the incubator, they will receive support to hone their skills and refine their products as they embark on the next stage of their business journey.
The Watershed Design Lab for Growth and Success
The Watershed Design Lab aims to provide small business owners with a real-world retail experience in a supportive, collaborative environment. The programme will immerse these five creatives in a 16-month training programme, offering them the opportunity to develop essential business skills while refining their products. The incubator’s mission is to equip participants to thrive in the retail industry before they transition to a full year of occupying store space.
The incubator replaces the outgoing cohort, who have graduated from the programme after completing extensive training and real-time retail experience. The total value of sales generated by the previous cohort reached an impressive R1.24 million, showcasing the programme’s success in preparing local entrepreneurs for the commercial market.
Erica Elk, Group CEO of the CDI, expressed her excitement for the upcoming group, stating:
“There is something really fresh, authentic, and honest about the products coming out of South Africa today. We are particularly excited to help this new cohort of local entrepreneurs leverage their incredible artistry into commercial success.”
Nurturing Creative Entrepreneurship for Over Two Decades
The CDI has been at the forefront of developing creative careers and supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) for over 20 years. With a focus on fostering local talent, the CDI has helped numerous creative professionals turn their passion into profitable businesses.
One of the CDI’s standout initiatives, the Design Lab, is housed in The Watershed, a vibrant craft and design space within Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. This prime location, in one of Africa’s most visited neighbourhoods, provides an invaluable platform for the selected designers to showcase their work to a diverse, international audience.
Watershed Design Lab - A Living Retail 'Laboratory'
The Design Lab is often referred to as a ‘living retail laboratory’—a space where designers can test their products in a real-world retail environment while receiving mentorship and training. The initiative helps participants to navigate the complexities of retail, from product development and customer engagement to business management.
Since its inception in 2021, the Design Lab has supported a growing number of creative entrepreneurs. Each year, between four to eight designers are selected to participate, gaining hands-on experience and preparing them for success in the highly competitive retail sector.
The programme also benefits from the ongoing support of Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), which helps market the designers’ work and drive traffic to the store.
As the five newly selected brands begin their journey at the Watershed Design Lab, they stand on the cusp of turning their artistic visions into thriving businesses. Through this initiative, the CDI and V&A Waterfront continue to create opportunities for local talent to excel in the retail space, contributing to the growth of South Africa’s creative economy.
For more information on the Watershed Design Lab and the Craft and Design Institute, visit www.thecdi.org.za or follow @the_cdi_sa on social media.