KOKOT … |09 January 2017

… A creative business inspired by coco de mer designs

KOKOT designs and creates original products using Seychelles as inspiration. It is a business owned by Elle Rydin. The creations consist of coco de mer-shaped cushions, kids colouring cushions as well as soft furnishings for the home such as place mats, table runners and oven mitts. Earlier last year it launched a kids’ colouring book about the Seychelles. The book is in the KOKOT kids’ range which is an informative guide for kids exploring nature, animals and fauna of the Seychelles.
“The business started in 2014 but has been a part time endeavour so far. The response has been good but being a sole trader and making all of the items myself, the business is still in its early stages and quite small,” said Elle.
Elle said she works at her home at Anse aux Pins and have sales outlets at Camion Hall for the cushions. The kids’ colouring book can be purchased from STC hypermarket and Antigone book store. She also takes private orders from the Facebook page KOKOT seychelles and KOKOT kids.
“The business idea was born from my passion for sewing and creating new and unique pieces.  The lack of locally-produced gift items and souvenirs, with a lot of souvenir items available on the market being imported, also inspired me to launch into such a business. I think it’s a shame when a tourist buys a piece they think is originally made in the Seychelles but is not,” said Elle.

She said she purchases all of her materials locally and has the colouring books too printed locally.

“I think it is important to support each other in commerce, especially local artisans who are trying to make a living from their craft,” she said.
“Each of KOKOT’s cushion is hand-made in the Seychelles, is unique and is one of a kind. You can request custom designs and also personalise them with a special message or name. Prices start from R100 for a small cushion,” said Elle.
Elle can be contacted on 2530003 or visit her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KOKOTSEYCHELLES/

M. Julie