Mo's Crib, a sustainable homeware manufacturing company in South Africa turning handcrafted design into a multinational business

Mo’s Crib is a home décor and design company specializing in practical handmade items using recycled materials, based in South Africa. Mo’s Crib manufactures sustainable homeware for the global market and is currently the largest exporter of African crafts in Africa. Deeply passionate about sustainability, the company has turned Morongwe Mokone’s, Co-Founder of Mo’s Crib and winner of the 2024 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot, love for handcrafted design into a multinational business with award-winning products in department stores around the world. One basket at a time, Morongwe weaves the way forward driving innovation and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Lioness Weekender spoke to founder Morongwe Mokone about her passion for sustainable home decor, and her drive to harness artisanal craftmanship and design to drive positive socio-economic change in local communities.

When did your start your business?

Mo's Crib was started in 2016 as a side hustle, born out of a love for handmade craft and design. It has since evolved into a globally recognised home decor and lifestyle brand and today employs 280 people.

What does your company do?

Mo's Crib is a sustainable homeware manufacturing company. We specialise in creating handwoven home decor products made from recycled materials like PVC water pipes collected from landfills, as well as natural grasses sourced from local farmers. Our product offering includes decorative baskets, outdoor furniture, wall art, handbags, baby products, kitchen and bathroom accessories, and more.

What inspired you to start your company?

I have always loved working with my hands. The journey started with origami sculptures, and after exhibiting at a local market, I realized there was a demand for products that were both sustainable and beautifully crafted. This passion, combined with my love for solving problems and creating jobs in my community, inspired the birth of Mo's Crib.

What makes your business, service or product special?

Mo's Crib stands out because we merge sustainability with functionality and African craftsmanship. Our signature recycled PVC baskets are a testament to innovation, turning waste into beautifully designed, durable products. Every piece tells a story of conscious living and skilled artisanry.

Tell us a little about your team

We are incredibly proud of our team, 87% of whom are women. They are the heartbeat of Mo's Crib. Many come from underprivileged backgrounds, and we have been intentional about creating a space where they not only work but grow. We provide wellness initiatives, daily meals, medical care support, and skills development.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

Entrepreneurship runs in my blood. My father was in sand mining and my mother, a nurse, later moved to the UK to provide a better life for our family. My mother exposed me to the world at an early age, shaping my global perspective. My journey has been filled with challenges, but my passion for creativity, sustainability, and community impact has kept me going. Winning the 2024 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award is a highlight that has validated our journey.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

We aim to expand Mo's Crib's footprint across Africa by opening production sites in other African countries. Our vision is to employ 10,000 artisans by 2030. We are also working on expanding our direct-to-consumer market by opening retail stores in South Africa and beyond, and innovating with new products such as outdoor furniture made from recycled materials.

When I was awarded the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award last year, we had 200 artisans across the region. In just one year, we’ve been able to recruit 100 more, bringing our total number of employees to 300, with 80% of our manufacturing taking place in South Africa, as well as in Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, and Tanzania.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

Seeing the tangible impact our business has on people’s lives. From providing jobs and wellness initiatives for our team to knowing that our products are part of a sustainable solution for the environment, it all gives me immense pride.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Be unique and solve a problem. Look at your product offering and ask yourself how it sets you apart and adds value to the customer.

Stay resilient, be intentional, and understand that even small beginnings have the potential to turn into global movements if driven by purpose.

To find out more about Mo’s Crib, send an email to: hello@moscrib.com or visit the company’s website and social media platforms:

Website: https://moscrib.co.za/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MozCrib/

X: https://x.com/moscrib?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mos.crib/?hl=en