#WIB – Q&A With Angeliz Venter Owner & CEO of KiCoco
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
We are a local South African brand, that strives to give our customers unique products while being affordable.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
I started KiCoco as a baby clothing brand called ‘Little Gentlemen’ in 2016, while I was a student at the University of Pretoria. We had to complete 200 production and 200 design hours for a degree in B.Consumer Science : Clothing Retail Management. The brand quickly grew past what I thought is a hobby and I then decided in August 2019 to expand the brand to boys, girls and unisex kids clothing. In 2020 KiCoco expanded even further with adult ranges and matching mommy and me ranges.
KiCoco is inspired by KIDS around the world and our love for coconuts and Reunion Island. All our designs’ are based on inspiration gained from nature.
We strive to be sustainable and therefore we are a 100% NO WASTE brand. We use all our off cut fabrics in new designs and re-purposing them for pillow covers and cushion stuffing.
3. What is your role in the business?
I am the Owner and CEO of KiCoco.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
I studied B.Consumer Science : Clothing Retail Management at the University of Pretoria and I am currently also doing my masters.
5. How did you finance your business?
I started very small by using money that I saved from odd jobs here and there. I also started by sewing everything myself from a room in my mom’s house at the time as I was very focused (and still am) at keeping the expenses and costs as low as possible. As the business grew, I kept investing the money into the business for growth and for many years didn’t properly pay myself a salary.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
I think as a young female entrepreneur in today’s economic climate, every day looks different. But it usually consists of negotiating terms with retailers and suppliers and checking in on employees to ensure our quality is consistent throughout.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
I am currently still on maternity leave and I honestly still have to figure out the balance between working and providing for my family and spending quality time with our cute son, who I just want to cuddle the whole time! But for me, it’s always been a compromise, because my family drives me to work harder and work makes me strive to spend quality time with my family. I do think for a business owner it will never be 50/50, but at least we have the freedom and control to be able to give more attention to our home life when needed.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
Since having my son, he is ultimately my biggest inspiration and drive to work harder and do better so that I can set an example for him. For the more practical side of the designs, I get a lot of inspiration from nature and traveling.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
I never sit and brainstorm as most people do. My best ideas so far has come from listening to the customers, my family and friends and trying to make their needs realize into a product. I also dream very big and strive to make all my ideas into practical products.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
I use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. I also make sure to regularly do baby expo’s and markets to connect with potential customers, seeing that our customer base is forever changing as we mostly specialize in baby clothing and a baby is only a baby for so long.
11. What is next for your business?
KiCoco is growing every month and I strive for customers to have access to our products whenever they enter a shopping centre or mall. Hopefully in the future we would also have a physical independent store in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, but those dreams were put on hold by Covid.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
Never ever give up on your business. Your business plan and business idea might change or evolve as you go, but true success comes to those who keeps fighting and continues to pursue their dreams. Also, a practical tip would be to keep your expenses and costs as low as possible in the beginning to avoid making unnecessary debt.
About:
We are a local South African brand, that strives to give our customers unique products while being affordable.
KiCoco started as a baby clothing brand called ‘Little Gentlemen’ in 2016 by Angeliz Venter, while she was a student at the University of Pretoria. She then decided in August 2019 to expand her brand to boys, girls and unisex kids clothing. In 2020 KiCoco expanded even further with adult ranges and matching mommy and me ranges.
KiCoco is inspired by KIDS around the world and our love for coconuts and Reunion Island. All our designs’ are based on inspiration gained from nature.
We strive to be sustainable and therefore we are a 100% NO WASTE brand. We use all our off cut fabrics in new designs and re-purposing them for pillow covers and cushion stuffing.
Contact details
+27 66 220 1730
info@kicocoshop.com
Johannesburg, South Africa