Hats Off Custom Décor located at 24 North Road, Lacytown and owned by Lawanda Pillay is working to become a household name with its one of a kind and specialised products.
Lawanda, in an interview with The Scene, explained that she conceptualised the business seven years ago after realising there was a need for crafted and customised products.
Lawanda, 34, was a stay-at-home mother but she decided to take a chance on herself as she’s always been somewhat crafty and has a passion for creating items. She recalled starting her business out of her home and losing clients as some people did not want to travel to her then out-of-town location. That informed her decision to have a location in the city.
The company offers a variety of customised items along with the option of decorating services for birthdays, anniversaries, and any type of special occasion. They can be contacted on Facebook at Hats Off Custom Décor or on telephone number 651-4221.
According to Lawanda, some of the challenges she experiences include sourcing items. She said it is often a long search to get the ideal items to customise clients’ products, as sometimes they are not readily available. However, she stressed that she always goes out of her way to ensure that the product is satisfactory to clients.
Meanwhile, she explained that since the creation of her business the market has seen a lot of crafters emerging. But clientele has also increased as people now are more interested in the items crafters offer.
Lawanda believes that her price point for certain items sets her apart from others. She said she also always tries to make her items unique with the customisation and that her packaging also plays a role in setting her apart.
She advised mothers and others to “just go for it.” She said, “don’t be scared” but give it your all, “you don’t have to get everything at once” but rather start with whatever you have and build from there.
Personally, Lawanda said it is her passion that keeps her going. “I have a love for what I do so it encourages me to continue,” she added. In five years, she hopes to make her business a household name – a dream she has had from the beginning.
