The other day, I needed something small done—just the buttons on my shirt sleeves taken in. Not a big job, but not something you can get done at a mall tailor kiosk anymore. So I went looking, and I found a seamstress (or “sewist” as they prefer these days) tucked away in a side street studio.
She did the job in under an hour—perfectly. I went shopping, came back, and it was done. We got to chatting. She’s been in the industry for 20 years, used to work in mainstream clothing production, and now prefers working independently. Less stress, more control, and a steady trickle of clients who need just that little something done right.
That’s when it hit me: this is one of those tiny niche markets. Quiet, often overlooked, but incredibly valuable—and resilient.
Then I thought of a few more. Like scented surf wax. Yes, it’s a real thing, and has had a loyal following for years. Or the home baker I once met who made Hertzoggies—those jam and coconut tarts that are almost impossible to find unless you know someone’s auntie still makes them. Her regulars would drive across the city for a batch.
These are the kinds of businesses that don’t try to be everything to everyone. They serve a very specific customer—and they serve them well.
So what niche opportunities are hidden around your neighborhood? What could you start, or support, that’s a little off the beaten path?
Here are a few tiny niche markets thriving in and around Cape Town:
1. Eco-Conscious Innovations
• Biodegradable Surf Wax: For surfers who care about the oceans they ride.
• Ocean Plastic Upcycling: From jewelry to keychains, creators are turning beach trash into treasure.
2. Indigenous Crafts & Materials
• Ostrich Eggshell Jewelry: Delicate, detailed pieces rooted in tradition.
• Xhosa Beadwork: Modern accessories that carry generations of culture.
3. Hyper-Local Food & Drink
• Heirloom Seed Nurseries: For urban gardeners chasing rare indigenous varieties.
• Biltong-Inspired Flavors: Think biltong ice cream or chocolate. It exists, and it’s oddly addictive.
4. Sustainable Fashion
• Leather from Invasive Trees: Ethical accessories made from Port Jackson, a problematic invasive species.
• Upcycled Clothing: Tailored, repurposed garments with story and style.
5. Home & Lifestyle
• Furniture from Shipwreck Wood: One-of-a-kind tables and shelves with maritime soul.
• Candles That Smell Like the Cape: “Fynbos Field” or “Table Mountain Mist” in a jar.
6. Pet-Centric Creations
• Vegan Pet Treats: For plant-based households with furry family members.
• Recycled Leashes & Collars: Made from climbing ropes or seatbelts.
7. Music & Memory
• Vinyl Record Shops: Curated collections of South African jazz, rock, and resistance-era music.
These niches are small—but mighty. They often align with a founder’s passion or cultural connection, and they serve loyal customers who really care about what they’re buying.
If you’re looking to start something of your own, keep your eyes open for these “small but special” markets. You might already have the skill—or the interest. And remember: always do your homework, check your figures, and speak to professionals if you’re serious about turning an idea into income.
But for now? Let these examples spark some inspiration.
