Arch Kids

ABOUT THE OWNER

My name is Zee Mazibuko. I am the owner of the business concept Arch Kids- a shop for children. I am an occupational therapist who has a passion for children and for helping other people.

20 years ago I was diagnosed with endometriosis. Endometriosis is a disease characterized by debilitating pain and other complications.

After more surgeries than I want to remember (especially since I had to be resuscitated on the theatre table in march of this year), I am experiencing more complications and more pain than ever before. I am not sleeping enough because the pain disturbs my sleep. I spend most of my working days in pain because the medication I am on makes me feel dizzy and as I work with sick patients I can't take the meds when I am going to work.

That leaves me exhausted 99% of the time.

After years of infertility I was blessed with a beautiful baby girl who is now 5 years old. I am a single mom as my marriage broke down. Thus I juggle work and being a mother and being chronically in pain (it is a full time job!!). I juggle money as well because having a chronic illness is expensive. There are costs related to treatment, prescriptions, diet. Sometimes you have to catch a cab because walking a certain distance will mean you don't have the energy to cook for your child when you get home. This doesn't leave me with much extra money.

Over the years I have had to think of strategies that would make my life easier and leave me with some energy and a bit more money.

I have found that unfortunately due to the structured nature of my job I struggle because my illness timetable is at odds with my work timetable. I tend to fall asleep just a few hours before I have to get up and get ready for work. I also take medication around my work rather than as my pain dictates. My job can be very physical and there are days when I struggle just to stand. And then some days, I just can't get up; I am in too much pain.

One of the major things that I always moan about as a parent are:

1. The time it takes to look for children's clothes, furniture, shoes, toys etc

2. The quality of the goods that I can afford

3. The uniqueness of the goods

4. Very few 'one stop shops' where you can buy all you need for your child

5. Shops with toys that are 'demo' toys so you can try them before you buy them.

6. The ridiculous cost of good quality goods and toys.

7. The unavailability of things in different countries.

So after putting these 2 major problems in my life together , I have come up with a concept of a business that can address my work/ source of income as well as my child shopping issues:

A children's shop with everything that I can think a child/ parent may require from conception to 16 years old. A shop that is on the high street as well as online. A shop with global reach.

I believe that I have the capabilities of running a successful business at home.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS

The shop Arch Kids will sell anything required to raise a child from conception to mid-teens.

The business will be run online as well as have physical shops in London, Manchester, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Gaborone. This will be done in a graded manner starting with shops in London and Johannesburg.

The online shop is in its infancy and we are still working to perfect it.

You can have a look at it at archkids.org.

Goods will be sought from all over the world, with emphasis on good quality, attractive, durability, uniqueness and affordability.

Handmade, personal and unique goods will be sought. The business will strive to promote small businesses who produce quality goods but struggle to survive by buying from them.

The business will empower other people. Bringing the expertise, creativity and hard work from all corners of the globe together.

I will also be looking for and working with designers and engineers to come up with equipment for children with disabilities that is attractive for the child as well as therapeutic and functional.

The funds raised will enable me to buy stock and start selling before Christmas, the busiest time of the year

Enjoy shopping for xmas this year for your children and friends and relatives, buying unique clothing and toys from all over the world. Items can be customized if need be. Fast delivery.

Please donate to my cause