Fired by my passion for potential - in people and places.Made serious by my tussle with heart attacks my idea to create new ways to empower people, families and communities took root Having a social impact of some sort is the thing that puts fire in my belly - getting me up in the morning. since I came here to Graaff Reinet I have been horrified by how hard it is for the local community to get a
job that they could really turn into a career; something that guaranteed money in the pocket and food on the table for the kids. And something they could be proud of for themselves. Realising that I may have to leave here to be nearer a hospital - or leave here in a box because my time has run out - I really wanted to make sure that I didnt leave John and Desiree with no job, no-where to go for one and no specific skills they could sell. Gradually, as my heart settled down again, the idea emerged of just doing our own 'tiny things' as social entrepreneurs to make a difference to at least 2, but probably more, local families. Profit with a Purpose was born as a Social Enterprise. In PwaP we so far have four micro, micro, micro businesses germinating! You will have seen some of my early photographs. First up is the is the Wise Woman Artisan Microbakery. Desiree is now trained as an artisan baker and rarrin' to go with her and her . My promise to her is that when I leave I will give her all the baking equipment, the oven and fridge/freezer so she can carry on. In the meantime I train her to run the bakery as a Community Supported Microbusiness. In the Karoo, family is the social unit everyone works from and for. In this spirit Desiree's sister in law and daughter are waiting in the wings for their training as the Microbakery grows. Not to be outdone, John will keep all the tools because he is a star with anything that needs to be built, carpentered, restored and recycled. After a lot of discussion the idea of Karoo Kraft was born. Specialising in small jobs involving wood working or welding he can fix, make, recyle or craft for customers.....He is now usually covered in a fine dusting of sawdust and is sprouting ideas daily for new items! It has unlocked creativity in him that he didnt know was there. Like Desiree's family his son, Reynaldo is waiting in the wings to learn the art of chic recycling with pallet furniture. Now we are looking for distributors to take some of John's wares on consignment. He too is learning to run the business himself. Felicity is selling our Herbal Remedies in Kroonvale and is a wonderful salesperson because she understands the indigenous herbs and has learnt about thier preparation and effects. Next step is to recruit agents to work under Felicity. Michelle is our recent recruit having worked with Rose Wright. Rose taught her dressmaking skills and now she is taking orders for beautiful traditional skirts, doeks, and dresses for our local ladies.
