Women with Passion at the De Werf Family Market 

There’s something special about being part of the De Werf Family Market. As a fellow vendor myself, I’ve had the joy of connecting with many passionate entrepreneurs who pour heart and soul into what they do and I’d like to share three of them with you today.

Bianca of Lunatree

After returning from Panama just a year ago, Bianca launched Lunatree, a brand born from her love for natural and holistic living. She makes her own organic skincare products while also selling selected products from the UK, a range of CBD items and mushroom tinctures.

Her goal is simple but meaningful: creating affordable products that make a positive difference in people’s lives. This really resonates with me as so many skincare products are just not within everyone’s reach, so to find a stunning serum that ticks all the wellness boxes and is affordable too is pure magic! Her 30ml Lunatree Serums sell for a mere R130 per bottle.

You’ll find her at the De Werf Market and Farmstall (https://dewerf.co.za/market/) as well as the Slow Market at Willowbridge (https://www.slowmarket.co.za/slow-market-willowbridge). She also stocks her products in stores around Cape Town and they are available online at lunatree.co.za..

What I really appreciate about Bianca’s approach is that it’s not just about beauty, it’s about well-being. Her brand bridges skincare and self-care in a way that feels authentic and grounded. Connect with Bianca on Facebook or Instagram.

Veronica of All Things Chilli 

Then there’s Veronica, a powerhouse of flavour and experience. She has been making chilli sauces since the 1970s, back when she supplied the iconic Polana Hotel and Coimbra Prawn Restaurant in Lourenço Marques. Today, her business, All Things Chilli, brings that same passion to the local table, selling through the Cape Spice Emporium in Claremont, online, and at the De Werf Market (https://dewerf.co.za/market/).

Her Chilli Onion Crunch is an absolute showstopper: I could not believe how incredibly delicious this product is and I’ve been quite selfish with my bottle at home. The process to make this crunch is not simple and it shows in the incredible taste, flavour and, of course, the crunch! And evidently, it’s amazing on ice-cream (although I’ve not ventured to try that quite yet).

She also makes and sells an impressive range of other chilli products including delicious beetroot, and one can also find olive oil and biltong at her market stalls. With tasters available for all her goods, you won’t go wrong with popping in to meet this vibrant woman with her incredible goodies.

You can find All Things Chilli (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559662737230) on Facebook or order directly at 083 648 3707.

Sharlon Hendricks 

Another inspiring face at the De Werf Family Market is Sharlon Hendricks.

Sharlon’s journey is a true testament to resilience and creativity. Just a year ago, she found herself without income and struggling to find work at her age, but instead of giving up she turned to YouTube tutorials and began teaching herself the art of sewing. I can’t even sew a button on a shirt, so her skill stopped me in my tracks!

What started with producing simple, reusable shopping bags soon grew into something more unique. Sharlon discovered a picture of dishcloth broekies (stitched cloth creations), practised until she perfected the technique, and now proudly sells these handmade items at the De Werf Family Market (https://dewerf.co.za/market/).

What began with dishcloth broekies has now grown into a creative range as she now produces shorts, shirts, pants and even hats, from dishcloths! Each piece reflects her determination and the joy she’s found in creating something useful and beautiful.

Though she admits she’s “not good with technology,” Sharlon is bravely advertising her products on platforms like Marketplace and via WhatsApp 081 762 8075.

Her story is a reminder that passion can be discovered at any stage of life, and that with perseverance new beginnings are always possible.

Why These Women Stand Out

I have so enjoyed my engagement with these women and have come to really admire their passion and perseverance. They represent what’s best about local markets: people following their hearts, building something meaningful from the ground up, and bringing their unique gifts to the community. I know first-hand how much work and love goes into small business ownership, and these women do it with warmth, grit and grace.

With love to all women entrepreneurs!

Michelle Longman
Cuppa Daisies