Jennet Brown, entrepreneur, owner and inspiration behind the acclaimed Essenwood Craft Market opens “THE DURBAN SUNDAY MARKET” on June 7th, a new market for the people of Durban, as well as national and international visitors. Based on the fabulously successful market on the Berea, that attracts a footfall of over 8 000 to 10 000 people every Saturday, the market has become a benchmark for a professionally run craft market in the city over the last decade. Visitors from as far afield as Japan and the US, visit the Saturday market, and other cities in the Country ask for professional advice on the starting or setting up of markets, from Durban's market doyenne. The market not only provides a beautiful, typically "Durban" spot for safe, regular social meetings, but has also been the springboard for SRP and has led several philanthropic initiatives over the last 15 years, supporting arts, culture, education, African craft and more.
Q&A:with Jennet Brown
1) When did Essenwood Market start? Sixteen years ago (back when cold drinks were still R2.!)
2) How many stallholders were there? 39.
3) How many stallholders are there now? 220.
4) Why did you start the market?
Times were tough South Africa was going through a financial crisis much like it is now. Jobs were scarce and I needed to find a way to make an extra income. I thought by starting Essenwood I would be helping to maintain my own family’s lifestyle while providing an opportunity to others in similar situations.
5) What Community initiatives have developed from the market?
Too many to mention, and as a true philanthropist I prefer not to talk about what the market has achieved for other people and communities, but my favourites are the several upliftment & education programs empowering underprivileged black women by teaching them craft and business skills while providing a venue where they can sell their products to support their families. Some of these ladies and I have worked together for over a decade. There are also many charities & organisations that I give free tables to.
6) How long does it take to set up the market and how many people work for the market full time?
It takes six to 8 hours to set up the market, perhaps longer than you would think, but there are over a thousand pieces of equipment and only 11 workers. We work full time during the week to actually organize the market for a Saturday - one might compare it to having a wedding once a week. I have five full time staff members but when Saturday rolls around there are as many as 34 people on the market team, this includes car guards, porters, administration, security, market managers, children supervisors etc.
7) Why did you decide to open another market?
We are experiencing a worldwide economic recession, and “markets” are enjoying resurgence globally. People need the market as it provides a chance for entrepreneurs to start their own business ventures and for customers to have a relatively low cost day, full of activities and shopping. The market facilitates and encourages people to look at earning a living from a different perspective, as a business owner, but without enormous investment, overheads or risk. They might be living a “dream” to work in an area that they have a passion for, but have not had a platform to express it, or they might have been retrenched and are looking for an alternative to provide a living for themselves and their family. The market business “concept” also allows a whole family to be engaged in earning a living.
8) Will there be the same or new stallholders?
The new market will be different to Essenwood with some of the same traders at both markets. The Sunday market will have a fresh face, we don’t want to, and can’t replicate the Essenwood Market as it stands alone as a brand, but we want to offer two separate venues each with a different but enjoyable experience & personality. We have found people saying they have work or family or sport commitments on a Saturday and want to come to the market but can’t- the Sunday market provides another choice for Durbanites.
9) Is Essenwood Market closing?
No. Essenwood Market is definitely here to stay! The market is not closing or changing management. DLI is an expansion to the business mode, providing traders with a new outlet and allowing the public to add another choice to their weekend activities.
10) Why did you choose DLI as a venue?
The building itself is magnificent. The old style architecture and well kept gardens lend an old world charm that I’m sure people will love. Its highly accessible and a huge plus is the large secure area available for parking.
The Durban Sunday Market
DLI Hall
Opens Sunday 7th June
10am to 3.00pm.
All Enquiries: tel: 031 208 1264/ 082 460 0625
