My Mongoose handbag makes me feel good

(ABOVE: my pretty bag and matching leather pumps from Woolworths)

I got a Mongoose handbag! Finally! I had seen them in The Space in Cav,and around the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town and I loved them.

I’m proud to say that two months later this bag has lasted the ultimate test, my abuse at varsity. I carry it around the hospital with it containing my lunch, textbooks, netbook and lady-stuff – while the 10kg weight kills me it doesn’t seem to affect the bag. Short story – worth every cent in both looks and in quality.

Then! I went onto the website and felt EVEN better about buying this bag. Here’s why (in point form)…

mongoose handbag

1. They are local (which is lekker)

2. They empower women and previously disadvantaged people

3. Their products are handmade

4. They source local, natural and unique fabrics – which are gorgeous!

So here’s a bit I took off their website, ‘

Mongoose is a design and manufacturing company based in Pretoria, South Africa. Working together with 20 previously disadvantaged women we mainly manufacture bags, accessories, homeware and carved wooden objects from recycled Jacaranda wood and hand printed and beaded items. We proudly work together to empower woman and teach skills in craft in order for them to become self sustainable. The company also reaches out to craft projects in rural areas where we work together with rural printers. 50% of Fabrics used to make up our products and ranges are community based projects and printed by hand with silk screens in rural areas. All the fabrics used are 100% natural ﬁber mainly cottons, linens and hemp fabrics. These fabrics are colourfast and durable to make up high quality items. ‘

I didn’t think it was possible but I am even more stoked I bought this bag now then I was when I walked out the shop in December. I LOVE MONGOOSE BAGS… I finally found an affordable (at about R400), beautiful, contemporary and most of all, durable handbag (it’s genuine leather). Plus there are other perks like their locally made and having a positive effect on job creation – I mean HELLO! I shall get more., just going on their website made me realise what other gems are out there – I love the luca style bag (above pic)!