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In the seven years since its inception, CY Market has grown into one of the hottest events on Cape Town’s cultural calendar with a unique focus on empowering local woman and giving NPOs the opportunity to help the community.
The market is the brainchild of four female entrepreneurs. “We believe in inspiring women to dream and create, pouring their inner beauty into creations that speak of style, passion, quality and the extraordinary,” says Ansomari Schoeman, co-founder of the event.
For this year’s theme, Lapslap Moi, exhibitors are encouraged to create something that is uniquely personal and illustrates all “the pretty in their lives.”
Exhibitors are hand-picked each year, with new exhibitors added yearly to the roster, while old favourites return, bringing loyal customers with them.
NPO ‘BLOSSOM’ DEDICATED TO HELPING DISADVANTGED WOMAN
One of the exhibitors is a non-profit organisation called BLOSSOM with a unique approach to artwork. According to the NPO, their aim is to “give ladies from all walks of life, especially from disadvantaged communities, the opportunity to learn how to dream again.”
BLOSSOM creates artwork out of shared stories. Women gather and share stories of their past, their children, their lives, creating a picture of their “preferred past.” This picture is then drawn in a simple illustration and transferred onto a decorative surface, like a cushion. “It’s then brought to life with simple hand embroidery and needlepoint work,” says the NPO.
Along with the visual design, a written story is printed on the label. The idea is that “these visual stories change and transform the hearts of families wherever they decorate a living space.”
BLOSSOM will be exhibiting cushions, mobiles and crochets blankets at this year’s event.
CAPE TOWN SOCIETY OF THE BLIND TO EXHIBIT AT THE EVENT
The Cape Town Society of the Blind will also be exhibiting at the event, raising money for its worthy cause. The organisation, which is a community-run initiative operating out of Salt River in Cape Town, was founded in 1929. The society is determined to uplift and develop the skills of the blind, irrespective of age, colour or creed.
Says Ansomari: “We’re privileged and delighted to have NPOs like the Blind Society at CY Market. They do so much for the community, and we firmly believe in society where equal opportunities are available to all, disabled or not.”
CY MARKET OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Parents will take delight in Annapatat Kids, which creates “fun, vintage, personal” styles that both moms and kids can have fun with. Quirky designs and fun prints meet practical design, and some of the fabrics are imported.
Men aren’t excluded either. The Grizzly Beard Co. offers a range of handmade, all-natural beard products paired with delicious scents that women love too, while former Idols star, Andriette Norman, will be exhibiting her range of décor products. Dubbed Andriette se Winkel, the initiative was founded five months ago and features handmade home décor with Andriette’s own lyrics incorporated into the design. Norman confesses she loves her job and brings her bubbly personality to the products she makes.
Co-Founder Schoeman is excited about bringing the CY Market to Meerendal Wine Farm for the first time. Previously, the event has been held at ALBA Guest Farm 1 kilometre down the road. Schoeman is excited for the new venue. “Meerendal is the perfect venue and a beautiful destination too,” she says.
EVENT DATES AND TIMES
The 2016 market will be held at the picturesque Meerendal Wine Farm just outside of Durbanville from 20 – 25 September. Entrance is R40.00 for adults, children under 14 are free and there is a pensioner’s discount. Doors open at 09:00 each morning and entertainment will be provided for children over the weekend.
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