Creative outlet originates from Shweshwe Roots

CLIFTON Springs mum Kristin Wishart has a dream to one day sell her handmade jewellery in boutiques across the country.

Originally from South Africa, Kristin uses Shweshwe fabric from Cape Town to make her unique earrings, necklaces and accessories.

“Shweshwe Roots was born from my appreciation of Shweshwe fabric, a love that originates from my birthplace, Cape Town,” Kristin said.

“Shweshwe fabric is bright, bold and beautiful with a vibrancy like no other.

“Its timeless popularity means it’s often referred to as the ‘denim of South Africa’.”

Kristin met her Australian husband Leith while working and travelling in the UK, and the pair settled on the Bellarine in January 2015.

They now have two young children, Rudy and Maggie.

“Over the last two years I started making button earrings for myself and then after my daughter Maggie was born in March 2017, I needed a creative outlet being at home with two little ones,” Kristin said.

“I also wanted to find something I could do from home and bring in a bit of extra money.

“I started making earrings and other bits of jewellery and selling them at local markets and the response was great.

“I then decided to spend the winter months working on my new website so that I can hopefully turn this into a proper little business.”

Kristin said she hoped to grow her business to be able to bring in a regular wage, and then be able to have Australian boutiques stock some of her range, and potentially expand globally.

“I love what I am doing and I need to be doing it,” she said.

“I am very ambitious but with two little ones as my priority I can’t get too carried away, but I can definitely dream!”

Kristin said whenever she visited Cape Town she’d stock up on fabric, or if her parents came to visit, her mum would fill up her bags.

To check out Kristin’s jewellery, visit shweshweroots.com or follow her on instagram @shweshwe_roots.