Words: Kit Heathcock | Images: Supplied
A proudly South African range of natural organic skincare products, that is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, Eco Diva recently opened its flagship store in De Waterkant. The serene space features an eco-friendly refill station, so you can re-use your Eco Diva jars and bottles. Owner Nicole Sherwin tells us more about the brand.
How did your business start?
With absolute passion. My passion for health and wellness was inspired by a lifetime mentorship from my father, Dr Philip Sherwin, who is a homoeopath, naturopath and acupuncturist. As the editor of Simply Green magazine and contributing editor for various other health and wellness publications and websites, I was researching and sharing all aspects of wellness. The Eco Diva journey began with my segment on SABC3’s Expresso Morning Show as “Eco Diva”, their DIY cosmetic chef. I created and demonstrated natural recipes for skincare, health, home, babies and animals every Thursday morning for two years. Many viewers would tweet me asking where they can buy the products from the recipes I was making, so I worked with two different biochemists and created formulations that are now part of the Eco Diva range. The rest is
history.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
I have a Danish furniture business in the area, so it made perfect sense to open the shop where I was already established. I’d chosen De Waterkant in Cape Town because it’s such a lovely, busy hub of interesting people and decor and furniture shops. It seemed like a natural transition for Eco Diva.
How did you find your premises?
Through much searching and quite a lot of investigation as to the best position in Cape Town that is trendy, hip and happening.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
Lots of great shop frontage, beautiful bay windows and a gentle and calming setting for a natural product range.
What are the rental/sales prices like in this area?
Not cheap, but definitely value for money as the location is really central and close to the V&A Waterfront.
Who are your neighbours?
We’ve got Loading Bay, Origin, Nap, the Cape Quarter shopping centre, Bootleggers, Skin Renewal Spa, Sofacompany.com, Kids Living, Ground Art Cafe, the Capital Mirage Hotel and many other great neighbours.
How many people visit your business each day?
It varies. We have around 10 to 60 people per day.
Do you have any expansion plans?
We definitely do and are incredibly excited about this next phase. We are rolling out 100%-natural, mini-concession stands that have the same look and feel as our flagship store. These stands will be in various locations around South Africa and in spas, beauty salons, yoga studios and like-minded health and gifting stores.
Do you operate online as well?
Yes, our online shop and blog is super busy and we love interacting with customers all over South Africa.
What’s your most popular item?
By far our Crème Brûlée Body Butter. Besides feeling like silk on your skin, it has so many multi-use benefits – amazing value for money.
Eco Diva
021 200 5900
ecodiva.co.za
