What an incredible weekend.
From the 28th to the 30th of November, we brought CrecheSpots to the DSTV Mitchells Plain Festival, and the experience was more than we could have ever hoped for. This wasn’t just another event for us; it was a powerful moment of connection, validation, and the joyful beginning of our journey with the community we’re here to serve.
Our mission was clear: to meet you, the parents of Mitchells Plain, right where you gather. We wanted to listen, to learn from you, and to introduce a vision for making the search for the right creche simpler, safer, and less stressful. Mitchells Plain is where we’ve chosen to launch for a reason—it’s a community we understand and are deeply committed to. That drive to make a real, positive difference in the lives of families here is the very foundation of CrecheSpots.
Although our stall was on the quieter side with the NPOs, your enthusiasm made it a hub of activity! Our team of seven was on the go non-stop, and we cherished every interaction. Our approach was simple: offer free facepainting for our little ones, and create a relaxed moment for their parents to talk with us. The result? A wonderful, constant stream of honest conversation and genuine connection.
What we learned was invaluable. We heard you. Above all else, your number one priority is your child’s safety. We understood the weight of the trust you place in caregivers and the anxiety of not knowing where to start your search. This conversation is the very reason CrecheSpots exists.
And your response? Truly overwhelming. We were humbled by your excitement. By the end of the second day, we had surpassed our goal with over 150 parents pre-registered for our app, and we also connected with new creches eager to join our platform. Hearing so many of you say, “This is exactly what we need” was the greatest reward imaginable. (And let’s be honest, the facepainting was a blast—your children are wonderfully creative and full of joy!)
The buzz even reached the airwaves! A big thank you to HeartFM for inviting us on air to share our story. And the good news continues—we’re booked for a full hour on the HeartFM Breakfast Express show in January to talk all things CrecheSpots!
None of this would have been possible without our incredible support system. Our deepest thanks go to:
- Our sponsors, The Craft and Design Institute and the Orange Corners Innovation Fund.
- Our mentor, Eugene Newmann, whose guidance was invaluable.
- The fantastic festival organisers for providing this platform.
- The team at HeartFM for their interest and support.
- And most importantly, our star CrecheSpots team [Your Names Here]. You poured your hearts into this, driven by a shared belief in our mission. Thank you.
So, what exactly is CrecheSpots? As our founder puts it, think of us as “Airbnb, but for creches.” (The HeartFM host brilliantly called us “Tinder for creches!”). In essence, we’re building a digital tool to help you match your child with a safe, trusted, and perfect creche, putting the power of choice and peace of mind back in your hands.
The festival was a resounding proof of concept. It showed us the urgent need and your incredible readiness for a solution. This energy is what drives us forward as we prepare to launch, starting right here in Mitchells Plain.
To every parent, grandparent, and caregiver who visited our stall, shared your concerns, or showed your support: Thank You. You are why we do this.
Please stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @crechespots for all the latest updates on our launch and how you can be part of shaping the future of early childhood development care in our communities.
The Mitchells Plain Festival was just our first chapter. We are so excited to write the rest of this story with you.
With sincere thanks,
The CrecheSpots Family