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Meet the maker: Monkeybiz

Meet the maker: Monkeybiz

Est 2000, Cape Town, Western Cape.

Who is MonkeyBiz?

Monkeybiz is an economic upliftment project dedicated to reviving the tradional craft of African beadwork and empowering women. Since 2000, Monkeybiz has supported hundreds of artists. Profits from sales go back into the community where our artists are provided for. Monkeybiz recognises and develops artistic ability, and assists artists to become self-sufficient through their art by providing them with an international platform to showcase their skills.

What was the idea behind your brand?

The idea was to provide a platform for artists from impoverished areas to showcase their skills and artwork & to provide them with the opportunity to empower themselves to becoming self-sufficient through their art.

How many people work for you?

Currently we are a team of 6 employees & 219 bead artists.

What are your best sellers?

Each Monkeybiz item is unique, once-off pieces therefore it is hard to say, however, we haven been recognized globally for our iconic long-legged animals.

What is YOUR favourite product of your collection?

My favourite products are our grocery collection.

What to you is the best thing about selling on KNUS?

Having a great, well recognised and trusted platform showcasing our artwork.

Why would you say it is important for customers to support local?

South Africa is facing turmoil due to Covid-19 & civil unrest and the businesses that are most affected are local small businesses who rely on tourism and locals to keep the doors open, during this time it is important for buyers to support small local businesses so that they can help keep doors open & the local economy flowing.