Karoo Baba

If you are looking for something to do on the weekend of 30 March to 1 April. Then look no further. You will find the BEST one-stop Pop up collaboration in Cape Town. Why not make a Family outing on the day and if you are looking for anything from Bump to Beyond, then you will definitely find some great specials at the exhibition. The most loved and proudly South African brands that are run by moms will be showcasing all their uniquely crafted products at this event. From over 100 unique collaborators you can be sure that you will have the ultimate and most memorable shopping experience. Karoo Baba will be one of the exhibitors and I have a few great surprises in store for you.

The beginning

Karoo Baba is a small business that sells only the very best quality sheepskins and sheepskin products. The founder, Michéle Kapilevich grew up on a farm in the Eastern Cape and that is where her love for sheepskin originated. The Nordic trend is what inspired her to start her business in the hopes of also sharing her love passion and beauty of sheepskin products.

“You can’t beat the luxurious softness of a genuine South African sheepskin.” 

Q & A with Michéle Kapilevich

1.When did you start Karoo Baba, and why?

I have been unofficially sourcing sheepskins for myself and friends since 2003. I have always loved them since growing up on a farm, and I really believe it is a magical textile. About a year ago, after noticing how trendy all the Nordic designs and furs are becoming, I realised that I need to share the love. That was when Karoo Baba was born officially as a business, and brand.

2. Describe Karoo Baba in five words.

Natural, affordable luxury for everyone

3. Please tell us about all the products that you provide.

I sell 100% natural merino sheepskins, of various shades (colours) and for different uses.

Single size as well as duo (x2 sewn together) as a runner or throw at the bottom or on top of your bed, as well as custom made large rugs like 4 or 6 skins sewn together to create the ultimate luxury carpet/rug or bedspread. I hand-make soft-soled sheepskin slippers for both adults and kids. Snoods!!! They are deliciously warm and cozy (non scratchy) elegant looking scarves made from sheepskin. They wrap around your neck twice and clip together with a brass stud. Must have for winter! Sleep-sheep – the softest and cuddliest plush toy around! Made from sheepskin and shweshwe, handmade and produced locally in Cape Town by a handful of very talented seamstresses. Cushion covers

4. What  challenges have you faced whilst running your company?

There are many daily challenges, but I guess the biggest for me has been to allocate and dedicate enough quality time to my business. I am also a travel planner, run my own travel business (Myoga Travel) as well as consult for larger tour operators. Juggling consulting, kids, family and of course getting a new business off the ground, was very challenging.

5. How do you overcome these challenges?

Like all good things, it didn’t happen overnight. I allowed Karoo Baba to grow at an organic pace until I could comfortably start to cut back on some of my other consulting work, and finally have more time to dedicate on my own business.

6. What do you love about owning your own business?

Being a mom, I love the freedom it offers me. Not to have to apply for a days leave in order to join my kids on a school excursion for instance is a huge bonus.

7. Which job title best describes you?

Mompreneur? Is that even a word?

8. How many days per week do you work on average?

I work every day.

9. Name three things that you can’t go a day without and that help you run your business.

Meditation – it helps me clear my head and stay grounded, starting every morning on a fresh blank page.

Coffee – I love drinking a cup of coffee in bed after I have packed lunchboxes and made breakfast. It is a habit I picked up from my own mom.

It is a little treat/reward to myself, and I enjoy listening to the radio or just thinking about my day ahead while sipping my nespresso.

Love – The love and support I get from my family gives me so much motivation and reward!

10. What advice do you have for someone who wants to start their own business or brand?

Never give up. Work a little at it every day, it wont happen overnight but if you keep chiselling away you will stand back one day and be surprised at what you managed to create/achieve.

11. Do you feel like you are living your passion?

YES!!! There are vary few things I am as passionate about as the feel of a luxurious sheepskin or being on holiday, and I am lucky enough to be working with both of those on a daily basis.

12. Is there anything you know now, that you wish you knew when you started your business?

Unfortunately, it is not a positive trait but I wish I was more cautious and less trusting of people in the beginning. #longstory 😉

13. Which people have been enormously helpful to you?

I have to give a tremendous thank you to Leigh Geary of the mom Diaries… we became friends when our boys were in the same class at play school, and she immediately saw the potential in my (then) hobby, and really got me so excited to get Karoo Baba off the ground. She gave me so much advice (still does!!)and helped me with so many aspects, from my first collab, to designing my beautiful brochure. Thank you Leigh, you are truly inspiring!

My husband who has been supporting on so many levels, his advice, patience and love helps me follow my dreams every day.

14. Who is your target market? If I were to give you a referral, who would I be looking for?

Home-makers and decorators of all ages and descriptions, from moms with new babies, to people who love decorating their (or other peoples’ homes), to someone looking to spoil a loved pet. Sheepskins have so many uses that literally anyone will benefit from and love a genuine sheepskin in their home or even office!

15. Lastly is there anything that you would like to add?

I have a a double sheepskin rug that I sewed together 12 years ago, and we still use it every single day! In summer either on the daybed to lounge  or on the floor for kids to play lego on, and in winter in front of our fireplace. I cannot imagine my life without it and know that an item  like this will add value to anyones life.

A lot of people think that sheepskin can only be used as a decor piece, but you can use it for so much more. Read more about the use and functionality; source and process; details on colors as well as how to care for sheepskin.

Karoo Baba Brochure Final (002)

You can definitely expect some great specials from Karoo Baba at the Cape Kids Collab Exhibition.

• 10% Discount on all skins
• A bargain box with some great products.

Visit Avenue Venue at the Waterfront in Cape Town and enjoy all the goods on offer in the following categories:

• Clothing & Accessories
• Education & Toys
• Fitness
• Health & Well-being
• Entertainment & Parties
• Maternity wear & products

EVENT TIMES:

Friday 30 March : 10am – 5pm

Saturday 31 March: 10am – 5pm

Sunday 1 April: 10am – 3pm

But, wait! There is more! You could win your very own sleep sheep, valued at R485.00.

For a Valid entry, follow the following steps.

1. Enter on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/raisinghudsondk
2. Enter on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/raising_hudson_dk/

For a bonus entry answer the following question  in the comments section of this blog post:

1. Where did the founder of Karoo Baba grow up?