Kaliko: A Fabric Store Woven Together by Women and Community
In the small coastal town of Gansbaai, a boutique fabric shop is quietly redefining what local business can look like when creativity, sustainability and women’s empowerment are stitched together with care.
Kaliko, a female-owned and female-managed fabric and gift store, stands out not only for its beautiful textiles and handcrafted products but for the people behind them. From the shop floor to the cutting table, from design to final stitching, every part of the business is run and carried out by women.
The shop was opened in 2020 by Karin Franken, at a time when many businesses were closing their doors due to the extreme challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting a new venture under such uncertain conditions was no small feat, but Kaliko was built on resilience from the very beginning. In fact, the first products ever made and sold were cloth face masks, a practical response to the needs of the time and a lifeline for both the business and the local women involved in production.
What makes Kaliko especially unique is its commitment to supporting local women beyond the store itself. All of the shop’s handmade products are produced by local ladies in the surrounding community. These women are supplied with materials, can work from home, in their own spaces, or make use of Kaliko’s workshop facilities when needed, and are paid per item. Importantly, they set their own prices for the products they make, giving them control over their earnings and recognising the true value of their time and skills.
For many, it is more than just extra income, it is a sense of independence, dignity and pride in seeing their work displayed and sold in a local business that values their craftsmanship.
Sustainability is another thread woven deeply into Kaliko’s identity. In an industry where offcuts and unused fabric often end up discarded, Kaliko has chosen a different path. Fabric that cannot be sold in the shop is carefully repurposed into new products, ensuring that as little as possible goes to waste.
From practical household items to thoughtful gifts, these creations not only reduce waste but also tell a story, one of resourcefulness, craftsmanship and respect for materials.
Now, in 2026, Kaliko celebrates nearly six years of trading, standing strong and continuing to grow. What began as a small fabric shop has expanded into a business offering services such as upholstery, custom-made curtaining, and a wide range of fabric-related solutions for homes and businesses.
“Our aim has always been to create something beautiful while being mindful of people and the planet,” says the team at Kaliko. “Every piece of fabric still has value, and every woman involved in this business has something important to contribute.”
In a time when shoppers are becoming more conscious of where products come from and who makes them, Kaliko offers a refreshing example of what ethical, community-driven retail can look like.
It is more than a fabric store. It is a space where women support women, where skills are nurtured, waste is reduced, and creativity becomes a source of opportunity.
And in Gansbaai, that is something truly worth celebrating.
