‘Selling baskets saved my life’

“I had to stretch every dollar just to cover basic needs.”

This was the life of Tugamena Immanuel before she started selling baskets.

She says she couldn’t afford basics like food, electricity and her child’s essentials.

“There were times when I couldn’t afford small things like storage containers or replacing worn-out items at home.

Starting Kathy-Joey Creations gave me not only a source of income, but also a sense of independence and hope for my future. It saved my life,” Immanuel says.

Starting the brand did not happen overnight though.

Immanuel says she started by collecting recyclable materials such as hardboard, old boxes and fabric for a long time.

“One day, I had a pile of hardboard and boxes lying around and I happened to need baskets to help organise my wardrobe and cupboards.

“That’s when I made the first few baskets for myself and when I saw how practical and beautiful they turned out. I decided to start making more.

“I eventually started to advertise them, and that was a new start in my life,” she says.

Through her work Immanuel says she brightens up spaces.

The project has given her the platform to be creative, she says.

She says each basket is handmade with care.

“People use them to store various items, such as clothes, toys, books, stationery and bathroom items.

They’re especially useful in homes that need more order without sacrificing style.

“They help with decluttering while supporting sustainable living. Plus, they add a handmade, local touch to homes,” she says.

Immanuel says the business aims to inspire recycling.

“I’ve always been passionate about recycling and finding creative ways to reuse materials. At home, I often collect items like boxes and packaging after using products.

“I clean and cut the cardboard to size, reinforce the structure, and then carefully wrap it with various materials like fabric, rope, or even Odelela cloth to give it that unique, decorative touch,” she says.

“Each basket is handcrafted using recycled materials. It’s not mass production – it’s art with a purpose.

Clients can also place custom orders and choose the fabric or design they want, which makes the product more personal and meaningful,” she says.

Immanuel is encouraging the public, especially women and young people, to try out small, creative businesses when they start their entrepreneurial journey.

She says they don’t require a big budget and can turn into a huge success.

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