The latest offering of an ambitious entrepreneur who has combined passion with purpose is all the rave and more.
Edmore “Eddie” Chiriumiko makes and sells beautiful shweshwe dog collars and treat bags to help raise funds for animal sterilisations in disadvantaged areas and in so doing rid more furry four-legged friends of the chains around their necks. The 39-year-old Zimbabwean national who operates his own small business, Eddie’s Batik, feels compelled to champion the cause after being inspired by the admirable efforts of local resident Gigi Roper, who voluntarily helps animals in need.
“I met Eddie at Radloff Park where he sells his dog beds and other products,” she said. “He truly is one of those salt of the earth guys. He and his wife create the most beautiful batik and crocheted masterpieces. We started discussing dogs and he mentioned being saddened by the sight of dogs chained up and wanting to give back by helping animals. So he agreed to making dog collars and treat bags, of which 10% of the sales go toward dog sterilisations.”
“With my knowledge and skills in sewing, dog collars and treat bags were right up my alley,” said a spirited Eddie, who believes he was born to be an entrepreneur and is living his dream.
The Nomzamo resident established his business nearly eight years ago and, with assistance from his wife Judith, continues building on the enterprise. Together they create high-quality, handcrafted batik fabric products, including tablecloths and table runners, picnic blankets, dog beds, cushion covers, an array of bags in a variety of sizes and many more. In addition, the various batik offerings are supplemented with beautiful storage baskets lovingly crocheted by Judith. Although mainly available online via their Facebook page, all the products are also available to purchase at Radloff Park, off Lourensford Road in Somerset West.
“Given that I work on a very small budget and the idea is still in labour, I have made 60 collars so far,” said Eddie. “Of the lot I have sold half.” He added that the evident comfort of pets enjoying the dog beds or boasting their funky, creative collars is what brings him most joy.
Roper reckons that if together they can raise enough money to sterilise 10 dogs through local animal welfare organisations and clinics, then people in the lower-income areas will see the collar as a status of an unchained, sterilised and well-cared-for dog.
V To support the initiative, or for more information, contact Eddie on 065 949 6760.
