This South African Home Brand Succeeds Through Sustainability and Community
Focusing on sustainability has become an increasingly important condition for many shoppers over the last few years. From the style and quality of the product to being able to truly know how it is made, trying to find brands that live up to all of these expectations can be overwhelming. While it can be difficult to know where and how to shop sustainably, companies like Mo’s Crib are bringing customers eco-friendly products while maintaining an impressive and creative style with a story. Mo’s Crib Home Decor
“Michelle and I come from a poverty-stricken background. We’ve had to use nothing but our own resources.”—Mo Mokone
Mo’s Crib was started by South African sisters Mo and Michelle Mokone. Since launching their brand, the Mokone sisters have created jobs in their small hometown of Pretoria, South Africa. They produce sustainable, eco-friendly planters and baskets—all crafted from recycled PVC water pipes.
“Our mission was really to manufacture sustainable products that are made from unique materials that you wouldn’t expect,” explains Mo Mokone. “Also, being that the unemployment rate is so high in our small community, we wanted to provide job opportunities for local men and women to make a real change.”
Local Insight: While Mo’s Crib does employ a handful of men who contribute greatly to the business, women make up about 90% of the staff at this female-led company. Mo’s Crib Home Decor
Called a “natural born artist” by her sister Michelle, Mo discovered her talent for origami while living in London. Inspired by her craft, she began selling her creations at a local market—and things took off from there. “We never expected to sell as many items as we did, but people loved them!” exclaims Michelle. “Eventually, we came up with the PVC baskets, and by 2019, we were running a full-time business.” Now, Mo’s Crib products are available at Crate & Barrel, one of the most popular furniture retailers in the U.S.
Local Insight: Even during the global pandemic, Mo and Michelle managed to seal the deal on all of their biggest contracts. All from the comfort of their own bedrooms while wearing pajamas! Mo’s Crib Home Decor
“Michelle and I come from a poverty-stricken background, and we’ve had to use nothing but our own resources,” explains Mo. “I think what I’ve been most proud of throughout this journey is the hussle that we’ve both had. We are 100% self-funded. Everything that we’ve created from so little really is amazing.”
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
