Local makers shine at the Knysna Oyster Festival
Behind every handmade product is a story, and this year visitors to the Neighbourhood Makers Hub at the OMODA JAECOO Knysna Oyster Festival will have the opportunity to discover some of the inspiring entrepreneurs turning creativity into sustainable businesses.
Powered by Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking, the Neighbourhood Makers Hub is more than a market. This curated retail space celebrates local small businesses, providing a platform for artisans, creators and entrepreneurs to connect with new customers and grow their brands. Throughout the festival, visitors can browse everything from handcrafted accessories and fashion items to unique gifts, homegrown products and locally made souvenirs.
Among the makers taking part this year is Sedgefield entrepreneur Michelle Lencoe, founder of Lithemba Crafts and Tours. A qualified cultural site guide who established her business in 2012, Lencoe combines tourism, storytelling and craftsmanship through experiences that celebrate South African culture and creativity.
One of her most popular offerings teaches visitors how to transform recycled telephone wire into colourful handmade jewellery. Her business also produces a range of handcrafted products made by local artisans.
“The Neighbourhood Makers Hub gives us the opportunity to showcase products that are proudly handmade on the Garden Route and to reach visitors who may never otherwise discover our business,” says Lencoe.
For sisters Ashley Bester and Mandy Motzouris, founders of The Bow Company, what began as making hair accessories for their daughters has grown into a thriving handmade business with customers across South Africa and beyond.
Their handcrafted bows, leather accessories and wire headbands have built a loyal following over the past four years. The pair credit the Neighbourhood Makers Hub with helping them establish a stronger presence in Knysna and connect with both local shoppers and visitors.
“Being part of the Hub has been a game changer for us. It has given our business visibility, introduced us to new customers and helped us grow a loyal customer base,” says Bester.
Another local business making its mark is EXPLR South Africa, founded by Garden Route resident Margie Steyn. The brand has built a following through its range of travel-inspired apparel and accessories featuring humorous takes on beloved South African destinations.
From caps and bucket hats to keyrings and bags, each product celebrates local places and South African identity with a playful twist.
“For a small business like ours, opportunities such as the Neighbourhood Makers Hub are invaluable. It places us directly in front of our target market and gives us a platform to share our products, our ideas and our pride in the places we call home,” says Steyn.
Lungiswa Goya, Manager: Economic Development at Knysna Municipality and spokesperson for the festival, says the Neighbourhood Makers Hub is an important part of the festival’s commitment to supporting local enterprise.
“The Hub provides small businesses with a valuable platform to showcase their products, connect with new customers and grow their brands. We are grateful to Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking for supporting an initiative that helps local entrepreneurs thrive while giving festivalgoers the opportunity to discover the incredible talent that exists across the Garden Route.”
The Neighbourhood Makers Hub will form part of the Festival Hub at the Knysna High School sports fields, where visitors can enjoy shopping, food, entertainment and family activities throughout the festival.
The OMODA JAECOO Knysna Oyster Festival takes place from 3–12 July 2026. For more information visit www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za.
