There is a new product in
town - S’MENT SMALLS which is a unique adventure into the versatility for
cement to make small products and objects used in the homes, offices,
gardens and lodges.
The products were launched
at a private function held in the suburb of Vainona in Harare recently which
was attended by various players in the building and construction industry.
On display during the launch
were various S’MENT SMALLS products big and small all made from cement by the
innovative team under the supervision of the Director, Laura Tofts who is the
brains behind the unique project.
Among the smaller products
were flower pots which came in different shapes and sizes with succulent
plants, decorative balls, coasters, soap dishes, polished garden pavers,
polished tiles and concrete planters.
The other bigger items
included concrete counters, concrete dining table, cocktail tables made from
cement pipes and a coffee table made from a manhole pipe with a special high
quality glass. The concrete counters, according to Laura, can even be polished
according to the customer’s specifications.
The cement products are
acting as replacement of granite which in itself is expensive. They have
manufactured tombstones and headstones. This is more affordable as compared to
granite.
According to Laura, the idea
was to repurpose things which the cement guys already manufacture for the civil
engineering like manholes, concrete windows, concrete pipes among others.
The use of cement came about
after a realisation that cement is more eco-friendly and sustainable than we
think, as it lasts for a long time.
“I have been selling paint
for 16 years, including decorative paint for houses and later I began selling the
brand – Cemcrete, which is coloured cement for walls, floors, waterproofing and
pools, and from that experience, I realised that cement was very versatile. I
then decided to make these products. This is just the beginning and we will see
where it goes,” she said.
The launch was the
fulfillment of an idea which started in January this year where they have been
designing various products. They have already received lots of orders on
special days like Valentines Day and Mother’s Day and they are continuing to
sell more.
On the launch, a number of
products were sold out to individuals including the coffee table, which is one
of the biggest products on the show.
Laura says most of her
designs are inspired by people and their own ideas - they can manufacture as
per specification of the customer and make their vision come true.
Having launched her range of
products, Laura is thinking big.
“I wish to have a creative
outlet and secondly I want to work with designers for homes and offices,
architects and take their expertise and designs and create things for them. In
the end I want to have a full production team, create employment and create
local products.”
She is currently operating
from home where she has a workshop for small cement products and she has also partnered
Homestyle Bricks where she has the workshop for the huge products.
Laura has a word for
Zimbabweans.
“Nothing ventured nothing
gained. If you don’t try, you will never know. It’s better to make a decision
and go for something than not to make a decision and do nothing.
“I want the creative sector of
Zimbabweans to take courage and be bold so that the consumer market starts
focusing local,” she said adding that she was tired of people who always sought products from South Africa yet Zimbabwe has such amazing talent.
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