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Written byKoketso Kau
Oh Shuck! The World’s Our Oyster!
Born from the pursuit of belonging, the city of Cape Town conceals eclectic pearls formed by creativity, community and unrequited love for niche events. Navigating the waters of transactional friendships with an abandoned Uber budget, Capetownians transverse the vast expanse of hidden gems and gatekept terrain. Catching a glimpse of a hidden gem brings not only substance in conversation, but a shared pride in maintaining the traditions of gatekeeping. Docked in the walls of Lower Main Road, Mamikies connects creatives and individuals from all walks of life, moored by the desire to create opportunities and to create collaboration for their talents (or perhaps the chicken mayo).
From small fries to casting a regional net, two lifelong friends, Joe and Isiah— united by a passion for exceptional food and community— support the health of the community by refuelling creatives with flavours of the city of Cape Town, with dishes crafted from locally-sourced ingredients (think farm to table). In an interview with Joe and Isaiah, best friends turned business owners of Mamikies, I asked a couple of questions about community and what that means for them, especially in the eclectic suburb that is fondly known as Obs!
“From small fry’s to casting a regional net, two lifelong friends, Joe and Isiah— united by a passion for exceptional food and community— support the health of community by refuelling creatives with flavours of the city of Cape Town, with dishes crafted from locally-sourced ingredients (think farm to table).”
Q&A
About Their Role and Background:
Koketso: What is the most rewarding part of Mamikies as a community hub for creatives, and individuals from different walks of life?
Isaiah: When you see a smile on someone’s face…it’s the best thing that you can achieve.
Joe: To create space, especially for our community.
K: How would you describe the mission or vision you have for Mamikies?
J: Be creative, and listening to our customers.
I: The ability to exercise what one can do, the power to do anything, to create.
Collaboration and Engagement:
K: How do you build trust and foster collaboration among customers and creatives at Mamikies?
J: We give them a platform to share their thoughts, also to create opportunities to create collaboration for their talents.
Achievements and Future Goals:
K: What do you think is the most critical step that Mamikies took to thrive in this community?
J: To sell food that resonates our culture, our chicken mayo. Everyone here loves chicken mayo.
I: It’s difficult to create a customer base, and maintaining it…
J: …and delivering quality food and best service.
Personal Growth and Reflection:
K: What do you think is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from the community you serve in Cape Town?
J: To stay truthful to ourselves, the power of listening to our customers and to know what they want. Stay true to our values
I: It goes back to staying true to our values, maintaining the standard.
‘We give them a platform to share their thoughts, also to create opportunities to create collaboration for their talents.’ – Joe – Mamikies Co-owner
Broader Perspectives:
K: What do you believe other cafes/creative hubs could learn from the successes or challenges of Mamikies?
I: Customer service. It goes to customer service, customer experience.
J: Supporting our local creatives.
