Represent Interview: MOOI in Durban
Our Durban-based Representah @_thanda_ chats to Fiona and Lauren, the aspirational entrepreneurs behind the gorgeous Glenwood-based boutique Mooi in Durban. Sharpile Thanda!
What inspired you to open Mooi? We wanted to showcase Durban talents and support local community based projects with the emphasis being on Restore Revive Recycle
What can we find in the shop? Fashion, home décor, retro furniture and gifts and our target market is broad from little ones to ladies.
What were the challenges in opening your own small business? Keeping overheads manageable, setting up costs ie stock purchasing and shop design as we did all shop fitting ourselves.
How has the shop been received in Durban? Durban is a different city when it comes to support of the arts and fashion as there is the plenty of talent but not enough support. We are a destination shop which helps but we do not have enough foot traffic, this is one of our biggest draw backs.
Who are your top 4 design inspirations?
a) Mooi as we do all our own retro finds and décor ourselves
b) Dino Galetti Creative Director of Tequila and Mooi
c) N/A
d) Miss Moneypenny, Josephine & Mooi
What other interests do you have? Photography and videography
A favourite saying? “Life without fashion would be a tragedy.”
How did you meet? Lauren and Fiona met back in the good old school days somewhere between std 7 and std 8. We have been friends ever since. Fiona lived in the uk for 11 years from 1997 to 2008 whilst Lauren ran her children’s label Tigerlily and on Fiona’s return we made contact again and rekindled their friendship and the rest is history. The partnership has been an easy one to maintain as each has their own style, creativity and ideas.
Anyone interested in finding out more, get in touch with the owners Fiona Galetti 0724026689 or Lauren Berry 0842085517.
To visit Mooi pop in to: 100 Bulwer road Glenwood DBN or call 031 201 8274
