Party Décor Hire, Creatif Helderberg, and Retro Photo Booth have consolidated into a larger warehouse space at 2b Mynhardt Street to offer a one-stop event planning service.
I stopped by 2b Mynhardt Street in Gants Plaza to catch up with the team behind three local event staples that consolidated into a single, expansive warehouse space. Four months after moving from their previous location along the Somerset West Main Road, Party Décor Hire, Creatif Helderberg, and Retro Photo Booth are finding that the industrial side of town offers more than just affordable rent.
While a moving notice still displays at their former premises, Twin Oaks Centre, located on 148 Main Road in Somerset West, the business is very much alive and operating from its new home. The move to Gants Plaza has brought together three sister companies that were previously spread out or operating in a more cramped, house-like environment. Now, everything from laser engraving to wedding decor is housed under one roof.
A warm welcome in the industrial zone
Moving a team of women into a male-dominated industrial area was an adjustment at first. Chané Swanepoel, manager of Retro Photo Booth and Creatif Helderberg, says the initial reception was one of curiosity. I spoke to Chané on site, and she noted that while people initially looked at them strangely while they were painting and decorating their gates pink, the atmosphere quickly changed to one of community.
“I don’t think I ever experienced that in Somerset [West]”, Chané says.
Explaining, “That side it is more for bustle. This side it is, how can we help you? How can you help us? And that is what we strive for, because this business is not only for helping ourselves grow, but we love to help the other companies too.”
This spirit of partnership extends to the landlord, Anton Mynhardt, after whom the road is named. Chané shared how Mynhardt personally looked after the team, even replacing all the old lights in the building and ensuring the functional needs of the business were met.
The practicalities of a warehouse space
The new premises at 2b Mynhardt Street offer significant functional upgrades. The building features an upstairs and downstairs area, allowing for a dedicated space for table setups where clients can play around with decor ideas before their big day.
Practical benefits include seven dedicated parking bays, a major improvement over the first-come, first-served situation at the former Somerset West location. The larger interior also means vehicles can be parked and loaded inside, which is a game-changer for the team during the Cape’s rainy days.
“Warehouses are just cheaper for the number of items you have”, Chané explains.
Adding, “Our previous space was more like a house. So, you had all these rooms, and now everything is together. You can walk freely and see everything we have.”
More than just decor
While the business is 23 years old this year, it continues to evolve. The current integration includes Party Décor Hire for weddings and corporate events, Retro Photo Booth for universities, schools and parties, and Creatif Helderberg for laser cutting and engraving. They even have a resident candle specialist, Greater, who has been with the company for seven years managing their unique candle hire service. All is beautifully managed by their operations manager, Marelize Cloete, who has been with the business for over 20 years.
The offerings have expanded to include wedding gowns through a partnership with another tenant, Bridal You, upstairs, effectively turning the warehouse into a full-scale wedding planning hub.
“We are like a one-stop shop for your needs”, says Chané.
She notes the service offering is extensive, ranging from laser cutting and engraving to entertainment, candles, and full event coordination. “We even do wedding gowns. We can provide you with venue options and catering options. You don’t have to run around to ten different companies. You come to us, and we run around for you.”
A family-focused team
The expansion into the larger space has also allowed for team growth. The business recently welcomed Anika as a permanent member of the staff, further strengthening the team as they settle into their new home.
Despite the busy schedule of sourcing items and managing quotes, the team maintains a close-knit culture.
“Everyone who works here is like family”, Chané says. Adding that they “have dinner together”, “we go out. It is not only work, work, work.”
As the peak of wedding season approaches, the team at Gants Plaza is settled and ready. Whether it is designing seating charts or sourcing fairy lights, the move to Mynhardt Street has given these local businesses the room they need to grow while staying firmly rooted in the Helderberg community.
