01st July 2010 (0 Comments)

Ceramic art

National

www.imisoceramics.co.za

Description of the business

Imiso Design Team consists of young, dynamic creatives & designers who specialise in handmade products, made of clay; textiles; furniture and leather. Having been established just 4 years ago, the Imiso brand has grown substantially, with their products in demand both locally & internationally.  Their designs are distinctly African, with a contemporary edge, drawing inspiration from local culture, tradition and nature.

There are two Imiso stores in Cape Town (The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock and The Cape Quarter in Greenpoint), and their products are also stocked at a wide variety of independent retailers.  The bulk of their exports are to New York, London, Paris & Milan.

Reason for commencement

As young, creative South Africans with a Xhosa heritage and a background in ceramics and textiles, their dream was to leave a legacy of great importance for those following them, as they use their resources from those who have gone before them.

Vision

“We have grown and have developed a following of our work within four years, trial and error are the learning curves and advice from mentors has guided us, we bounce ideas off each other constantly and create exclusive pieces that are sometimes difficult to let go of.

In the next five years we would like to further expand into the market of art and design appreciators, working as before with organic products but stretching boundaries with the two, design & organic.

We would like to get closer to home and feed off the environment of our Eastern Cape landscape through hosting solo and collaborative exhibitions showcasing, where we are as designers. In addition, we would like to grow our Imiso brand on a national retail scale, becoming accessible from Imiso stores in Johannesburg; Durban and Port Elizabeth.”

Achievements

• Nominee in the Johnny Walker Celebrating Strides, Design category, 2010
• Third runner-up in the International Young Design Entrepreneur of the Year Award (IYDE, British Counsel)
• Award winner in the Visi Design category, 2009
• Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) finalist in the Woman of the Year – Design category
• Grand West Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Best Exhibiting Stand, 2009
• Decorex Gold award winner in the Creative and Best Exhibiting Stand categories, 2008
• International Elle Decoration Awards in the Ceramics category 2007
• Exhibited internationally in Paris; New York and Milan
• Ongoing Puma sponsorship for head designer Andile

Help needed

This gives you an idea of the specific areas that Imiso would appreciate assistance; however, if you’d like to collaborate or help them out in any other way at all, all input is greatly appreciated.

• As young entrepreneurs, we welcome mentorship from experienced individuals or companies.
• Branded company vehicle
• Funding
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