About This Project
We’re raising funds to grow a shared creative hub just outside Rustenburg that brings together Houndware (natural pet care), Tylucas (natural human care), Hancor (custom steel fabrication), and other local creators — all anchored by a small, community-focused coffee shop.
This space will function as a working hub, retail point, and meeting place where customers can enjoy good coffee while engaging with locally made products and creators. We already have active product lines, clients, and nationwide shipping in place, so this project is about scaling and bringing everything together under one roof, not starting from zero.
By backing this project, you’re supporting ethical local business, collaboration, and a space designed to serve both community and creativity.
The Background
Houndware began at home, inspired by our own animals and a desire to care for them in a more natural, thoughtful, and ethical way. Like many pet owners, we wanted products we could trust — made with intention, transparency, and genuine concern for animal wellbeing.
What started as small-batch natural pet care products for dogs, cats, and horses grew steadily as more animal lovers connected with our values and approach.
As the community around Houndware grew, so did the vision.
Today, we are ready to take the next step by creating The Houndware Home — a pet-friendly coffee shop and natural care space designed to serve animals, people, and the broader community.
The Plan
The Houndware Home will be more than a retail space. It will be a welcoming environment where pets are genuinely encouraged to be part of everyday life, where people can enjoy good coffee, and where natural care — for both animals and humans — is approached responsibly and transparently.
The space will showcase Houndware’s natural pet care range, supporting dogs, cats, and horses, with a long-term goal of expanding into all animal companions. These products are designed to complement responsible pet care and veterinary guidance, focusing on everyday wellbeing rather than replacement treatment.
Alongside this, the Houndware Home will proudly partner with Tylucas, offering a range of natural human wellness products aligned with the same values of quality, ethical sourcing, and thoughtful care. This partnership reflects our belief that caring for animals and caring for people are deeply connected.
The coffee shop element will be developed and supported by Houndware and Hancor, creating a relaxed, pet-friendly environment where the community can gather, connect, and slow down.
The space will also feature a local author, providing a platform for book sales and storytelling that enriches the atmosphere and supports local creative voices.
Looking ahead, the Houndware Home is envisioned as a community hub. We plan to host small, local markets and events that give emerging creators, makers, and small businesses an opportunity to showcase their work. These markets will support local entrepreneurship, encourage collaboration, and strengthen the sense of community around the space.
This crowdfunding campaign represents Phase One of building the Houndware Home. The funds raised will contribute toward securing the property, covering early legal and transfer-related costs, and preparing the space for its intended purpose. This phase is about laying a solid foundation — creating momentum, demonstrating community support, and unlocking the next steps needed to bring the vision to life.
By backing this project, you are not simply supporting a single business. You are helping build a shared space that values animals as family, supports ethical and natural care, uplifts local creators, and strengthens community connections.
The Houndware Home is built on the belief that when animals, people, and local businesses thrive together, communities grow stronger. With your support, we can create a space that truly feels like home — for pets, people, and ideas alike.
Pledge Rewards
Every pledge helps lay the foundation for The Houndware Home. As a thank-you, we’ve created a range of rewards that allow our backers to share in the journey while supporting natural care, local partnerships, and community growth.
All physical rewards are designed to be practical, thoughtful, and manageable to fulfil.
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Pledge R500 = 🐶🐱 Goodie Human: Reward #1
A little something for your animal friend.
You’ll receive:
- A once-off pet goodie bag (dog or cat)
- Includes Houndware products and selected partner items
- Early supporter recognition
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Pledge R1,200 = 🐕🐈⬛ Founding Pack: Reward #2
Support the build and enjoy exclusive perks.
You’ll receive:
- A premium pet goodie bag (dog, cat or horse)
- A discount on your next purchase at the Houndware Home
- Invitation to the shop opening celebration
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Pledge R3,000 = 🐎🐕🦺 Founding Friend: Reward #3
For those who want to make a deeper impact.
You’ll receive:
- A deluxe pet goodie bag tailored to your animal (dog, cat, or horse)
- An extended discount period for in-store purchases
- Your name featured on the Founders Wall inside the Houndware Home
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Pledge R5,000 = 🌿 Community Champion: Reward #4
Become part of the foundation.
You’ll receive:
- A premium goodie bag for your animal
- Recognition as a Community Champion
- Exclusive invitation to a private pre-opening event
- Name permanently displayed in the shop as a founding supporter
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Important Notes
Goodie bags will be tailored according to the animal specified by the backer.
Rewards will be fulfilled once the campaign is successfully completed and timelines are confirmed.
Discounts are non-transferable and valid for a specified period after the shop opens.
Rewards are limited in quantity to ensure quality and timely delivery.
Project FAQ
Who am I?
- My name is Tamika Rheeder, and I am the founder of Houndware, a South African brand focused on natural pet care. Houndware was born from hands-on experience with my own animals and a desire to create thoughtful, natural-based products that support everyday wellbeing for pets.
- Alongside Houndware, I am involved in Hancor, a locally rooted business that will support the coffee shop element of the Houndware Home. I also work closely with Tylucas, a partner brand offering natural human wellness products that align with the same values of ethical care, transparency, and sustainability.
- Everything I build is grounded in community, collaboration, and practical experience — growing slowly and responsibly, with animals and people at the centre of every decision.
Where are we based?
- Houndware is based just outside Rustenburg, North West, approximately just over an hour’s drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg.
- While our roots are local, our reach is already national. We currently ship products across South Africa, with customers in Cape Town, various areas throughout KwaZulu-Natal, North West, and a strong base of local clients within our surrounding community.
- The Houndware Home will be established locally, creating a physical space that serves both nearby communities and visitors from surrounding regions.
Why Crowdfunding?
- Crowdfunding allows us to grow in a way that stays aligned with our values.
- Rather than rushing into large-scale funding or distancing ourselves from the community that helped grow Houndware, crowdfunding gives our supporters an opportunity to be directly involved in building the Houndware Home. It helps us demonstrate demand, create momentum, and strengthen our position as we move into the next phase.
- This campaign represents Phase One — contributing toward securing the property, covering early legal and setup costs, and unlocking the next steps needed to bring this vision to life.
What is the plan once 100% funding is received?
Once full funding is achieved, the funds will be allocated toward:
- contributing to property-related and legal expenses
- preparing and planning the physical space
- confirming partnerships and supplier agreements
- progressing into the next phase of shop setup and development
Following this phase, we will move forward with securing the premises, finalising the coffee shop and retail layout, and preparing for the launch of the Houndware Home. Backers will receive regular updates throughout the process to ensure transparency and accountability.
Risks & Challenges
- As with any growing business and physical space development, there are risks and challenges involved in bringing the Houndware Home to life.
- We believe transparency is essential, and we want our backers to understand these clearly.
Property & Setup Timelines
- One of the main challenges is the timing involved in securing the property and completing legal and administrative processes.
- Property-related steps can sometimes take longer than expected.
How we manage this:
- The funds raised in this campaign represent Phase One and are intended to create leverage and momentum.
- We will move forward carefully, allowing for realistic timelines and keeping backers informed of progress and any changes.
Financial Scope
- While the funding target will significantly contribute to the project, it does not cover the entire long-term cost of development.
How we manage this:
- This campaign lays the foundation.
- It strengthens our position to proceed with additional funding avenues, partnerships, and structured next steps once this phase is complete.
Operational Growth
- Expanding from a home-based and online operation into a physical space introduces operational challenges, including staffing, stock management, and daily overheads.
How we manage this:
- The Houndware Home will be developed in stages, allowing systems and processes to grow sustainably.
- Existing experience in operations, logistics, and supplier relationships will guide this transition.
Supply & Fulfilment
- As with any product-based business, there is a risk of supplier delays or stock availability issues.
How we manage this:
- We work with trusted suppliers and maintain flexibility in product planning to ensure continuity.
- Rewards are designed to be manageable and scalable to avoid overextension.
Market Conditions
External factors such as economic shifts or changes in consumer spending could impact timelines or growth.
How we manage this:
- By focusing on essential, everyday pet care products and building a community-driven space, we aim to remain resilient and adaptable to changing conditions.
Commitment to Transparency
- We are committed to keeping backers informed throughout the process.
- Should challenges arise, updates will be shared openly, along with the steps being taken to address them.
Final Note
- Every meaningful project carries risk — but it also carries opportunity.
- By building intentionally, in phases, and with strong community involvement, we believe the Houndware Home can grow into a sustainable and lasting space for pets, people, and local creators.