More Than a Store: How The Shopping Cart South Africa Was Born

Where It All Began

Covid was a tough time for all of us. We were confined to our homes, and life as we knew it just changed. I, on the other hand, working in “Corporate”, was clocking 15–16-hour days. I often found myself throwing out the phrase, “Oh well, that’s corporate.” But something inside me had already shifted and I knew deep down that this was not what I wanted to do forever.

Being stuck at home, I needed something other than work and cleaning out every nook and cranny of my house. I decided to start a side hustle.

The Spark

While decluttering, I realised how many things we accumulate over time. So many things I didn’t use anymore and some still brand new. They had cost a pretty penny and were just lying there, dormant. That’s when I joined a marketplace so I could give some of the fashion a new lease on life. 

My side hustle was great. I was making extra cash from items I no longer needed, and they were going to people who were excited to give them a second life. The additional bonus was that I was also helping the environment.

From Hobby to Hustle

Then I noticed something else: I’m a hoarder of clothes, shoes, handbags… you name it. Items I’d once thought, “I’ll wear it everywhere!” only to have them sit untouched in my wardrobe. Whether my weight had fluctuated, my style had evolved, or life had just moved on, these gorgeous pieces were no longer serving me.

And that got me thinking.

I shifted direction and started a social media page. I started with a few of my own nearly-new items, and the response was fantastic. To be honest, it took off faster than I ever expected. Followers grew, and so did sales.

Eventually, I upscaled and opened the door for consignment stock, selling on behalf of others and earning a commission. As a fashion lover, I was hooked. I invested in advertising, bought a mannequin, and upgraded my camera gear.

Things were going really well.

The Fall

Then, out of nowhere, my page was deleted.

No warning. No reason. All the hours, the energy, the money and the community I had built were gone. I tried everything, but as many of you know, getting help from social platforms can feel impossible. My page had vanished into the digital void.

I started again, but my business name was now unavailable for an indefinite period. I had no backup of my followers or my buyer and seller lists. This was a hard pill to swallow, but I learnt my lesson: always back up your stuff. Starting from zero the momentum was lost, and the new page just didn’t take off the same way.

I reevaluated.

Marketplace Madness

I joined another marketplace and this time one with a big user base and actual customer service. It seemed like a good fit at first. But the more familiar I became, the more I knew: this wasn’t the home for my brand.

I was selling high-quality, pre-owned fashion and some practically new. Some of my sellers had luxury brands, and I made 100% sure they were authentic. I did the research, collected invoices and all to give my buyers absolute peace of mind. 

I say this with conviction because I’ve been there too. I’ve been scammed more than once. And I’m not embarrassed to admit it. Those were painful, expensive lessons that taught me everything I needed to know. 

Unfortunately, not everyone on the platform shared those values. I was being thrown in the same bucket as sellers pushing counterfeits and replicas. And while I understand there’s a market for that, it’s not my market.

A Turning Point

Then one day, I got a message from a woman who had been following my page. She complimented the store and said she could tell I was selling real designer items. She’d bought a “designer” bag from somewhere else on the site, but something felt off. She asked if I could help.

I looked at the photos she sent and even went as far as checking out the seller. My heart sank. I shared my thoughts, gave her a few ways to proceed, and she thanked me. I never heard back from her after that but sometimes, no news is good news.

And honestly that moment reminded me why I do this.

A Space of My Own

I decided then and there that I wanted my own space. My own brand. A place where shoppers could feel safe and ask for assistance. Where they wouldn’t have to second-guess their purchases.

It’s amazing how a great pair of shoes or a statement handbag can transform how you feel. It’s not just fashion, it’s also the confidence that comes with it. And whether we want to admit it or not, people treat you differently when you look put-together. I want every shopper at The Shopping Cart to feel that energy, to turn heads and to wear each piece with pride.

The Website Journey

Creating my own website while still working full-time in corporate was not an easy journey. Late nights, lots of coffee, and zero shortcuts.

You might ask, “Why not just hire someone?” I suppose I could have. But I needed it to reflect me. My vision. My voice. My brand.

And while it took time, my website finally went live in August 2024. Today, I stock a growing, curated one-of-each collection, selling new and pre-owned clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories from luxury designers and everyday fashion brands. 

New Chapter. Same Passion.

To be fair, The Shopping Cart was a little neglected at first. Between the corporate grind and trying to juggle it all, it wasn’t easy.

But, I took the leap and now The Shopping Cart gets 100% of my attention.

My wish for all my existing and future customers is that you find something you truly love to wear from The Shopping Cart fashion boutique.