Kate – The Market Basket Lady

Well, that’s me Catherine (Kate) Johnson.

I have been selling beautiful African handmade market baskets since 2005 at markets in south east Queensland and northern NSW. I love these baskets because they are so beautifully woven, colourful and very, very strong. Great to take to the farmers market, beach or use for storage or overnight stays.  I love it when I get a new supply. It’s like Christmas! I want to keep them all for myself. I also sell other African handmade creations at my market stall. Everything handmade in Africa by amazing artisans.

Kate at her basket stall

I have had many businesses over the years, Bookkeeping, Licenced Post Office, Internet Vending Machine Business and a Freight Business. The first two I co-owned with my friend Glenda and the last two with my husband Ian. I couldn’t run my stall without Ian. He helps me set up and pack down every market and drives the ute. He’s not keen on selling baskets though.

After selling our freight business, we retired and were happy doing renovations and gardening and a bit of travel.  We had a holiday in Tasmania. Our first in 5 years as it’s hard to get a holiday when you’re self-employed. While at Salamanca Market in Hobart I bought my first basket. I loved it with a passion. Back at home, wondering what to do with my life and thinking retirements not for me, I sat admiring my basket and suddenly the idea struck. I hadn’t seen these baskets in this area and thought people would love them as much as I did. Market stall idea was formed. I Googled and found a wholesaler, bought a gazebo and Googled again for a suitable market to sell my 20 baskets. The first market was in Brisbane, I sold one basket. I was very disheartened. I had outlayed all this money. What was I going to do. Well I found a better market where my baskets were a big hit. One day I actually sold out of baskets. This has only happened once.

I like to encourage people to have a go so that’s why I am writing this Blog. If you would like to sell what you make or like me, just a product you feel other people would like to buy, having a market stall is the best way of testing the market. You can have a stall whenever and wherever you choose and without outlaying a fortune. The market people are friendly and happy to help newcomers to the scene. It is a bit nerve wracking at first but after a couple of markets you’re on your way.

I love the market I’m at now. It’s a farmers market, craft market with a separate healthy lifestyle market. I still love selling my baskets after 10 years and I’ve met the nicest people some now lifelong friends.

Website: www.africanweave.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AfricanWeave

Some photographs

So many varieties!

The perfect market basket. Lightweight and can carry a load.

Elephant grass hats are tightly woven, strong and durable.

African made baskets

Please share!900