About Us

Since 2013 spaZa has been making functional everyday items that are both practical and kind to the environment. Inspired by a need for alternatives to disposable household items, our products are developed to make household chores feel better, while helping to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in the environment.

Our name comes from the South African term “spaza shop”, which relates to a small convenience shop business that is usually run from home. This thread runs through everything we do, from design to production, providing our customers with convenient products that are beautiful to look at.

We are proudly women-owned and run, with our team consisting of a phenomenal group of talented women. Our founder, Julia Schaffer, is also our designer and all of our products are inspired by her daily tasks. SpaZa products are designed for practicality and made with careful consideration for the natural, sustainable, raw materials that are available locally.

We recently received certification from WeConnect International as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE). This certification recognises spaZa as a women-owned business that meets the rigorous standards set by WeConnect International.

As a WBE, spaZa is part of a global network of women-owned businesses and has access to resources, opportunities, and support to grow and succeed. This is a testament to our commitment to promoting diversity and gender equality in the business world while providing innovative and sustainable products to our consumers.

Being part of the Fair Trade Federation community means that we support a more equitable and sustainable global economy while upholding a set of principles that promote social justice and environmental sustainability through fair trade practices. These principles include:

• Cultivating new market opportunities for economically and socially marginalized producers
• Developing transparent and accountable relationships with producers 
• Building capacity among producers to improve their skills and knowledge
• Promoting fair trade as a viable alternative to traditional trade practices
• Paying promptly and fairly to ensure producers receive a living wage for their work
• Supporting safe and empowering working conditions for all workers involved in fair trade
• Ensuring the rights of children are protected and respected
• Cultivating environmental stewardship and promoting sustainable practices
• Respecting cultural, racial, and ethnic identity and diversity.

We take great pride in being acknowledged by the Fair Trade Federation and are committed to upholding their principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. This achievement is not just a milestone for our brand, but a demonstration of our dedication to ethical and socially-responsible business practices.

Our store in Cape Town is in The Watershed, home to contemporary South African handmade products in the beautiful V & A Waterfront.