CAPE TOWN’S FIRST INDIE CONSCIOUS KIDS STORE
Simone Borcherding launched Mighty Small in 2020, in the thick of lockdown, while juggling a newborn and toddler. Setting up the bricks-and-mortar store in Gardens first, followed by the online store, the business has gone from strength to strength – from the initial 30 suppliers, they now offer over 100 local brands, and host weekly kids’ music, yoga, craft and story sessions. Their success is testament to the fact that parents want to support local and sustainable makers – they just want to do so conveniently, knowing that their kids are getting a quality product that lasts.
“Customers are blown away by our store when they walk through the door, and it’s really wonderful to see kids’ eyes light up when they come in,” says Simone. “Just to see them playing and relaxing, letting go and enjoying that magical experience brings me great joy.”
“To this day, the sales in our physical store supersede those online, which people are quite surprised by,” she says. “But there are so few places in South Africa that are truly family friendly, and our store is a cocooning space – where parents can come and feel at home amongst other parents and like-minded people, breast feed, change nappies, let their toddlers run around, grab a coffee, catch their breath. It just feels good for them to be here with their little ones.”
As a result, the store has become much more than just a retail experience, says Simone. “It’s become a community, and that’s down to our customers and our suppliers and the enthusiasm with which everyone has embraced this space. All our creators – mostly female, mostly moms, all local – are so thrilled to have a place where they can showcase their stuff.”
For parents who want to make a conscious choice with every purchase they make and are looking for thoughtful products that align with their value system, Mighty Small’s curated selection of goods makes it that much easier. “Speaking for myself, we know that our economy is struggling, and that our environment is impacted more each day. It’s all quite frightening, and we often feel as though our hands are tied – how could we even make a difference?” says Simone.
“Using your money as your vote is one way to do it, but parents are time-stretched, juggling a million balls and sometimes it feels really hard! So, to have a space like ours where you can just pop in and grab what you need makes a huge difference. Kids mirror us adults, and we want to try model the kind of behaviour and values that we hope they’ll move through life with – if we appreciate their toys, they’ll appreciate them as well.”
Some of the goodies you’ll find at Mighty Small
Bug Box | Envirokid
Popular with kids who love to explore the world around them, this gorgeous wood and leather bug box comes with a fun facts booklet, mini magnifying glass and cool telescopic bug net.
Moovebag
A 2-in-1 carry bag and play mat with an exquisitely designed South African road map on its surface. Lay it out anywhere (it’s double-sided and waterproof) and when you’re ready to head home, pull the drawstrings to transform into a portable bag.
Felt Donuts | Melo’s Craft
Fun and colourful 100% pure felt creations that have a long life span and can be played with both indoors and out. We love this tasty set of 6 donuts – each unique, handmade and in a variety of flavours!
Little Lovewoods | Mud Kitchen
Swing Swing Baba | Swing Kit
Baby Elephant Rocker | Simply Smurf
Colour Me Crayons
Knitted Mermaid | Handmade Karoo
Delightful hand-knitted mermaids made from 100% cotton – soft, cuddly and built for hours of imaginary play.
Wooden Shapes Truck | Hook and Pine
