Delft boy, 11, turns beading hobby into small business
ENTREPRENEUR: Cole with beaded creations. Picture: Jack Lestrade
This 11-year-old boy from Delft has turned a hobby into a source of income for himself and his family.
Cole Williams from Roosendal started a small business selling beaded jewellery from his home after learning skills during school holiday projects that he’s attended at the Khathalelana centre since 2018.
The Grade 5 learner at Roosendal Primary School says: “My grandma Carol inspires me a lot. I was always interested in stuff she made.
“I work on days when I’m at home and sell it in front of my gate on Saturdays.
“I also send some of my stuff to school and church groups,” says the entrepreneur who has lived with his younger brother and mother at his grandmother's since birth.
A proud Carol says: “To date he has created over 300 items.
“Cole started with leftover beading stock from a holiday project, thereafter he purchased more beads from sales he made.
“I also made arts and crafts a few years ago for extra income and Cole was always interested in what I’m doing.
“The Khathalelana organisation also opened their beading stock box for Cole to continue beading and he has been very happy about that.
“We created a name tag for him and we’re creating a bank account so that he can save the money he is making.”
Khathalelana, which means care for one another, was founded in 2016 by Marlene Jameson, 57.
“I’ve been living in Delft for over 25 years witnessing, not only the needs, but also the talents of many children. The organisation solely exists for the upliftment of children,” says Marlene.