Meet the Makers: The Brands & Stores Shaping the eThawini Online Ecosystem 🌿☕️
When we built eThawini Online, our goal wasn’t just to create another digital marketplace. We wanted to build a home for the brilliant, independent creators, artisans, and curators right here in KwaZulu-Natal who are shaping our local culture.
Instead of getting lost in the noise of mass-market retail, our platform brings together a curated collective of unique brands under one roof. So, who are the passionate creators behind the eThawini ecosystem? Let’s take a walk through the stalls and meet the brands you can discover and support right here with us!
☕️ 1. Haba Coffee Brew: The Art of the Slow Brew
For those who believe a great day starts with an exceptional cup, Haba Coffee Brew is your go-to destination. Moving far beyond commercial quick fixes, Haba is all about celebrating craft coffee culture. Featuring retail-ready 125g and 250g craft coffee bean bags, home-barista education, and immersive slow-brew coffee bars at our live pop-up markets (French press, pour-over, Aeropress, and Moka pot), Haba invites you to slow down, savour the process, and appreciate the deep notes of every single brew.
🔥 2. Sauce by Curlie & Curlie Foods: Bold Culinary Flavour
Good food brings people together, and Chef Curlie brings both the heat and the flavour! Known for crafting exceptional culinary goods, signature Curlie Sauce (fruity chilli sauce), and mouthwatering food offerings, Chef Curlie adds an unmistakable touch to every plate. From signature bottled sauces to gourmet platters, steak and chicken plates, and wors rolls, Curlie is all about elevating your local culinary experience.
🧢 3. Spike Notion: Urban Streetwear
Spearheaded by Njabulo "Spike" Ngubane, Spike Notion brings Pietermaritzburg's sharpest, most authentic local streetwear energy directly into the eThawini ecosystem. Built on clean cuts, high-impact design, and urban casualwear, Spike Notion represents the voice of contemporary street fashion—crafted for those who carry local pride and creative hustle wherever they go.
🎤 4. Hip Hop Shosha: Raw Soldier Culture
Representing the true spirit of the streets, Hip Hop Shosha is built on raw Kasi mentality, Hip Hop culture, and pure local movement. Founded by DJ, Hip Hop artist, and PMB Hip Hop veteran 2daXha—who captained Pietermaritzburg in the provincial Kasi to Kasi competition—the brand reflects a true Hip Hop soldier’s journey. Every piece is an extension of 2daXha’s dedication to pushing local music and street culture forward in PMB.
👗 5. House of Tifi & Precious Afrika Creations: Style & Fashion Expression
Style is a powerful form of self-expression. House of Tifi delivers exquisite handcrafted beadwork and artisanal jewellery, while Precious Afrika Creations focuses on custom-designed local T-shirts. Together, they bring vibrant craftsmanship, creative storytelling, and elegance to our fashion lineup.
🌿 6. The Wakery: Artisanal Infused Oils & Butters
Elevate your culinary and lifestyle rituals with The Wakery. Specialising in premium infused olive oils and artisanal infused butters, The Wakery blends quality ingredients to create rich, aromatic flavours and unique kitchen staples. Perfect for food lovers who appreciate handcrafted, small-batch goods made with care.
🎨 7. Art, Craft & Design
Your spaces should tell your story. That’s why we collaborate with independent local visual artists, photographers, and makers to bring you original prints, illustrations, and handmade creations. Every piece of art or craft featured on eThawini carries the unique perspective and soul of its creator, ready to bring warmth and character into your home.
🤝 Why We Bring These Brands Together
Individually, these independent brands, designers, and artisans possess exceptional talent, but they often face high marketing barriers and fragmented digital reach. By uniting them under eThawini Online, we give these creators collective visibility, professional storytelling through eThawini Studio, and direct access to wonderful communities through our digital platform and physical pop-up experiences (like Concept Exhale).
When you shop these brands on eThawini, you are doing more than just making a purchase—you are investing in local dreams, uplifting regional economies, and keeping authentic KZN culture thriving.
Take a look around our digital home, support an independent creator today, and discover something truly worth finding!
