Morongwe Mokone, co-founder of Mo’s Crib and Veuve Clicquot Bold Women Awards finalist. Picture: Supplied
Mabopane’s Morongwe Mokone has gone from being an artisan to a thriving co-founder of her own handmade decor company. While studying in England, she learnt the art of origami at 18 from her Japanese room mate, and today she runs a successful company, thrives as the queen of home decor.
She is a co-founder of a unique home decor design company that specialises in creating sustainable and handmade decor items.
Mokone runs a company committed to sustainability, emphasising fair wages and safe working conditions for local artisans. Her business supports eco-friendly practices and uplifts communities by preserving traditional craftsmanship and ensuring a secure, ethical work environment.
Driven by the principle of combining creativity with environmental awareness, Mo’s Crib has established a unique market position for customers who value both style and sustainability.
Sustainability is at the heart of Mo’s Crib, the company partners with local artisans, ensuring fair wages and promoting traditional craftsmanship. This collaboration not only supports local economies but also preserves the culture and techniques of artisan that might otherwise be lost.
Mokone herself is a self-taught artisan and designer who has since aspired to positively impact the local community while advocating for environmental awareness.
Mo’s Crib is driven by the belief that decor should reflect the personality of the homeowner. As such, their products are often bold and creative.
Their products are also recognised globally for their exceptional design and craftsmanship.
Their “handmade in South Africa” principle is their way of preserving talent, creating jobs and reducing carbon footprint, which guarantees authenticity, style and thought to each product.
By blending design with sustainability, the company provides an alternative home decor, offering pieces that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and unique design makes them a stand out in the home decor industry.
IOL asked how Mo’s Crib ensures a balance between creativity and sustainability in their designs, and what future innovations in sustainability, they are looking to explore.
‘’We carefully select materials that are eco-friendly, ensuring they are either biodegradable or recyclable,’’ she said.
By including sustainability into every stage of their design process, Mo’s Crib ensures that their products are not only beautifully innovative but also environmentally responsible.
Mokone also adds that the production process is designed to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact as they focus on durability and longevity of their products.
She further mentions that Mo’s crib is continually exploring new eco-friendly materials and methods.
“We’ve recently launched products made from bark of old banana trees, we are also developing outdoor furniture made from recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic, further enhancing our communities to sustainability,’’ she says.
Mokone is one of the six finalists standing for the 2024 Veuve Clicquot Bold Women Awards, this award honours the pioneering business women of today, celebrating those with a successful track record and have shown evolution and transformation in their field.
The awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday, July 17, in Johannesburg.
IOL