About Us
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Where did it start?
The seed for this small business was planted about 2 years ago. Maria and her mother Helen were swopping out ideas on how to keep little Ceres, then two years old, busy on a family road trip to the Kruger National Park. Mimi (as Ceres calls her Grandmother, Helen) packed a range of busy bags for Ceres to keep her busy in the car, it was a hit. Ever since then Maria and Mimi have been talking about turning the Beki Bags into a small business.
Building on Helen’s experience of 30 years running her own play school and incorporating Maria’s love for design beki.co.za was born.
beki.co.za wil give parents and grandparents access to a range of fun filled activities to keep their little beki’s busy at home or when they are out and about.
Meet the team:
Helen (Mimi) Kroes, is an amazing teacher, mother and grandmother. Many will agree that she has an open heart and is a friend to many. She grew up in a big family and believes that her passion for education and children sprouted from this.
After finishing high school she continued her studies in Home Economics at the University of Stellenbosch. When she completed her studies she started teaching and enjoyed every second of it.
Later she got married to her high school sweetheart and they had three beautiful daughters. After having her own children she had to decide if she would go back to teaching or stay at home and raise her family. She decided to stay home and started a play school which has been operating successfully for the last 30 years.
Now she has three grandchildren and always says that to play with them and keep them busy in a creative way has really been rewarding.
Maria Steyn (Ma-ma-ria)
Eldest of three sister and mother to two beautiful children, she has played a vital role in colouring this dream into a reality. What a privilege to start a business with your own mother.
Maria studied Fashion Design in Stellenbosch and started working in the Media Industry after completing her studies. She has completed courses in Social Media Management and Design Management which has created the perfect match for her mother’s experience in education and childcare. She has a strong eye for design and has loved being apart of this project every step of the way.
After having children she came to the same cross roads as her mother, having to decide if she would go back to work or stay at home and raise her family. This small business has given her the opportunity to see her children grow-up and stimulate her creativity at the same time.