Celebrating being able to give back

Celebrating being able to give back and win a R1000 voucher from Keedo

I have always been inspired by phenomenal women who are able to not just build successful businesses, but who also put people before profits. An individual who personifies this is founder, Nelia Annandale. 21 years ago she founded this proudly South African company and today, she is a truly successful woman in all senses of the word – a true Modern Mommy icon πŸ™‚

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The seed for the Keedo business was planted after she was injured in a ski accident and started designing clothing for her then newborn twins. The factory in Paarden Island is a true reflection of Nelia’s work ethic. We were treated to a tour of the premises last week – celebrating 21 years of producing this iconic South African brand. I am so blessed to be working with Nelia and her team on this Little Miracle project (see my previous post for more info) and hope that our target of feeding 6000 people through will be reached and maybe even exceeded!

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It is truly phenomenal to see the team in action and I am glad that despite all the challenges that have affected the clothing and textile industry in the Western Cape (which a few years back was a huge epicenter of clothing manufacture), they have managed to keep producing and have maintained such a positive and loyal workforce.

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Please share your comments below on what makes a successful business/ individual or leave us your thoughts on motherhood below (or fatherhood) and stand a chance of winning a R1000 Keedo voucher!

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Modern Mommy Written by:

26 Comments

  1. Zamahlase Sibisi
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    Well, I am not a mother yet but I jam an aunt to 3 most cutest boys. First time I came across Keedo store was in Cape Town Waterfront. The plan was to spoil myself but I ended up buying for my nieces. One thing that attracted me to the store was the quality of their fabrics, soft and delicate to children’s skin.

    Thank Goodness, Keedo has since been opened in Gateway KZN. thank you Nelia for using good quality fabric, I am able to donate my nieces clothes still looking in good condition.

  2. Zareena
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    Many people say motherhood has changed their lives for the better. I myself can proudly make this statement. Having 2 kids is truly remarkable. My daughter is 5 years old, My son is 5 months I though having a baby after the big age gap would make my daughter feel insecure however this is not the case, she loves her brother with all her heart. Helps at every chances she is given. I never knew I could love 2 kids equally until now. My kids are my heart. Motherhood is truly an indescribable experience. β™₯

  3. Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    Patient and perseverance is the key to succeed in business…The Keedo business is now enjoyingand havesting what they planted 21 years ago because of patient and perseverance,i am so happy that am also celebrating my birthday today which i wish i could unit with you..The love of motherhood is unmesured and makes wonders to those it loves..if it wasnt fo the love of sewing clothes to twins this could not have gone far but because of the love that women have..Keedo business is far..

  4. Shameega
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    Pure dedication, hard work, will power, commitment and most importantly passion for your product will make a successful business. You are such an ambassador and inspiration to many. Keep up your good work. May god bless you abundantly!

  5. Shafiqua Du Sart
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    Being a parent is the most rewarding feeling in the world.. I co sleep with my 15 month old and my almost 4 year old daughter sleeps in her own bedroom right next to ours…
    I am not a morning person by nature, but Liam wakes me up with loads and loads of kisses and smiles.. and Mila joins us soon after she hears the morning giggles..

    It’s the most amazing feeling in the world to wake up with such bright smiles, even brighter than a summer’s morning and smiles that could very well be made of rainbows πŸ™‚ Love my babes to the moon and back, and I am so thankful that they have taught me how to appreciate the little things that are so often taken for granted.

    Congratulations on your affiliation with Keedo Kids and thank you for being such a huge huge inspiration πŸ™‚

  6. Lizahn
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    Motherhood is the most precious gift from above. To see your babies grow and learn new things daily and to share the love and care is a blessing that can’t be measured. I have two toddlers ages 2 and 3 (11 months apart), as well as a teenager (16years), it means being on guard 24/7. Its a huge responsibility, that requires a lot of determination and patience. I have to act as a roaring lion the one minute and next be a psycologist and “expert” on life for my youngster πŸ™‚ but I would not change anything. I love being a Mom.

  7. Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    I would like to simply say thank you for a really awesome site….very interesting.

  8. carmen
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    In 2weeks time I’m going to become a mother to a baby boy. It would really make me happy if I win the voucher

  9. Crystal
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    I love everything about my little girl. Motherhood is truly the greatest gift I have ever been blessed with. My daughter is a year old, and even though its been a tough year, with relfux, colic, bronchiolitis, RSV, ear infections etc… It has been the most rewarding year of my life. I have never been more inlove with anyone or anything in my entire life, she is the best! I love dressing my daughter up in pretty things, and Keedo is an amazing brand which is so unique and stylish. Fantastic work!

  10. Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    I would love this voucher to get my son of 1years old some clothes for church.I love this site!!!!!!!!!

  11. Nondumiso
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    It’s so inspiring to read about women in business, we honestly have to wear so many hats it’s exhausting. I’m a full time mom and doing my final year, it’s not been easy but the way to success never is, I’m just wondering how I’ll cope at work when I have to leave my boy for hours daily. Success and a mother, wife and carreer woman requires the right balance, time management is everything and you ladies are such an inspiration πŸ™‚

  12. Nkuli
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    Many people say that being a parent is the most rewarding experience, and I couldn’t agree more, but being a single parent is also really tough. With only income from one parent, and support from that same parent, it somehow (whether for the better or worse) changes a child’s growing experience. I am a young, first time expecting single parent, and I’m overjoyed! I was also raised by a single mother, and I really do appreciate businesses that try their best to give back to the community or to their clients in any way that they can, because it is such a great help to those receiving it. Customer/people relations and a quality product/service in my view is what makes a business stand out. Although I have never actually purchased anything from keedo, I have always admired their products, and their initiatives invoke in me a great interest for the company πŸ™‚

  13. Abigail Williams
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    What makes a successful business or individual is simply NEVER giving up. Life is full of challenges, reading this story about Nelia Annandale who persevered through the challenges she faced and today she has a successful company. Imagine her throwing in the towel. I admire amazing, successful woman, who can be role models for others. I remember the brand Keedo growing up and to me its always been a success. Cheers to many more ladies x

  14. Driekie
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    The first time I walked into one of your shops, I was like a kid before Christmast. I love dressing my little baby girl in stuff that’s a little different from the normal baby clothes. I was surprised by the prices of the clothes, cause I expected to pay a lot more for the quality of the brand. I would really love it to get this voucher . I Would use it to buy onesies for my girl cause while my girl can still wear onesies, it makes me feel that she’s not growing up too quickly . Thank you for dressing our babies in such beautiful and fun clothes.

  15. Murishca Martheze
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    Great work Keedo!! Love buying items that give back. Gave birth 2 months ago to my second…his so easy to love but having two has totally transformed me…new perspective of hard work…taking care of me…pursuing my true calling while almost missing the challemge and purpose my day job provides. 5 more months if mat leave.
    .while Im on leave I plan to complete all the projects I have not prioritised. I love being a Mom but I need to be a happy and fulfilled woman too.

  16. joseph ebrahim
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    I am an unemployed dad for about a year now taking care of the children whilst my wife works. Having the opportunity to spend time with my children 24/7 has taught me understand them and appreciate the time I have with them. We often work so hard and don’t always realise how much they need us and also how much my wife invests in them when I used to work shifts. Children are a blessing and I don’t take for granted that grooming my children are only a mothers “job” but a fathers too. I have learnt so much about my children during these past months and I cannot describe the feeling it brings to my heart to share this experience of being a father. I would love to win this voucher to spoil them for christmas. Proud dad and truly humbled.

  17. ANDISWA FOBO
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    Making a business successful is not an easy job, but when you have a dream that you want to fulfill you work hard and grab every chance you get with that vision of making it in the business world.

    I have 6 naphews and I love all of them every Christmas I make sure that I buy each of them a gift from Keedo,, Its hard to resist their clothes they so fashionable and cute Keedo is always relevant when it comes to clothes for lil ones.

  18. Anthea Coetzee
    Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    Motherhood changed my life complete. I have 2 daughters and soon a baby boy. I used to shop for hours just to find the perfect top now I find myself walking directly for the children departments. Im blessed being able to call myself mother.

  19. Mon, 27 October 2014
    Reply

    Touched by this beautiful inspiring story that once again reflects a true example not only of how strong we are as WOMAN that through determination and motivation, we can do anything and overcome any storm! As a new mom completing my degree, it has been a difficult challenge and many times I felt like giving up and wondering if I should just continue next year but then I wake up to my son Elijah and I see his smile and as tiny as he is, he looks at me with such admiration. It’s through his eyes that I found the courage, the will and the determination to carry on and endure! I have one more assignment to complete and then I will graduate next year. Knowing he will be sitting in the stands watching me as my name is called is going to change his life for the better! It’s a story I can teach him one day when he feels he can’t accomplish something. Becoming a mom strengthened me to a point where I can’t be anything but the best for my son but most importantly for me as a person so that I can leave a legacy long after I have left this earth. GOD IS WITHIN HER, SHE WILL NOT FAIL! Psalms46verse5.

  20. Hettie Stassen
    Tue, 28 October 2014
    Reply

    I think the best def of a mother comes from this short saying: Babies dont come with a manual -they come with a MOTHER!

  21. Tue, 28 October 2014
    Reply

    I found this story deeply inspiring. I as a mother and designer found inspiration through so many of my life experiences and when I hear or read about the success stories of others it really warms my heart. I think us as South Africans should always promote South African made garments, we have to capitalize on our resources and inspire others to do the same. I have started my own brand last year and I dream of starting a foundation that will give me the ability to give back & I find what Nelia has done & is still doing, truly inspiring. Well done #KEEDOROCKS

  22. Esda Dippenaar
    Wed, 29 October 2014
    Reply

    A while ago I did a course and one of the most facinating classes was the one we decontructed “mother” For me It was easy giving my thoughts. Love, kindness, caring, selflessness are the thoughts that is coming up for the word “mother”
    It was horrifying to deconstruct it, in a way. I never thought about other peoples mothers and that their experiences are sometimes totally diffrent to my understanding of the word “mother”For some a mother is someone who never cared, someone who allowed abuse, someone who walked out on us. Some who is drunk, abuses substance and many more. The world would be a much kinder place if everyone could have a kind,caring,loving mom!

  23. Comfort
    Mon, 01 December 2014
    Reply

    My views on being a mom is that, sometimes you feel like you’re not the Best but that’s ok, it’s important to focus on the good moments and make sure do the best and get better everyday. It’s not always about what everyone else is saying but what works for you and baba. Remember to always ask for strength and wisdom from God to be a peaceful mom. HE is the prince of peace. God Bless & Happy Summer

  24. Mon, 01 December 2014
    Reply

    oh being a mother is one the best experiences in ones life.You begin to love this little being.You become very protective you don’t even want to hear your baby cry because that sound tears you apart.I love being a mother to my 6 years old daughterand my 7 months old baby boy.With my God and my supportive husband the ride is joyride.

  25. B
    Wed, 03 December 2014
    Reply

    Motherhood has definately shown me what unconditional love, Patience, Respect and values mean in raising my kids.

  26. Carolyn Augustus
    Fri, 05 December 2014
    Reply

    As a mother you need to understand that each child grows and develops at his/her own pace. Never compare one child to another and don’t rush their development.

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