When Brittany Gould and Tammy Mack became moms for the first time, they quickly realised two universal truths about baby gear: it’s expensive, and you don’t use half of it for as long as you think you will.
From the moment their babies – born just two weeks apart – arrived, the two friends found themselves navigating the endless cycle of baby must-haves, only to discover that many items barely made it out of the box before their little ones outgrew them. As retail professionals, Brittany and Tammy knew there had to be a better way. So, they launched the Growing Up Green Fair, a quarterly event in Umhlanga where parents can buy and sell high-quality, pre-loved baby items at a fraction of the retail price.
A WIN FOR THE PLANET
Baby essentials don’t come cheap, and new parents often feel pressured to buy everything brand new. But, as Brittany points out, many of these items are barely used before babies outgrow them. “If I had to sit and calculate how much money I spent and how much of it I actually used, it just doesn’t make sense,” she says.
The Growing Up Green Fair helps parents save money while promoting a more sustainable approach to shopping. Instead of contributing to the endless cycle of buying new and tossing out barely-used items, parents can give their baby gear a second life – whether it’s clothing, books, toys, or high-ticket items like prams.
“It’s more than just a market,” says Tammy. “It’s about making parenting a little less overwhelming, a little more affordable and a whole lot greener.”
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Unlike online marketplaces where buyers and sellers have to navigate meetups and uncertain quality, the Growing Up Green Fair is carefully curated. Brittany and Tammy personally vet each item to ensure only top-quality brands make the cut. Popular international brands like Zara, H&M, and Cotton On fly off the racks, and big-ticket items are especially in demand. “Last year, we sourced three DockATots (multi-functional loungers), and they sold almost instantly,” Brittany says.
A HASSLE-FREE EXPERIENCE
For parents looking to declutter, the fair offers a seamless alternative to the hassle of online selling. Vendors simply drop off their items the day before the fair, and Brittany and Tammy handle everything from setup to sales. After the fair, vendors collect any unsold items and receive their earnings, minus a small percentage.
“Our vendors love it because it’s so easy,” Tammy says. “They don’t have to sit around all day trying to sell – everything is taken care of for them.”
FROM FRIENDSHIP TO COMMUNITY
Brittany and Tammy’s journey from co-workers to moms to business partners has been a natural one. Having worked together previously, they understand how to run a smooth operation. But beyond the logistics, they’re also motivated by the community they are building. The fair has become a place where parents can connect, swap stories, and support each other, all while making more sustainable choices.
With plans to expand to bigger venues and potentially other areas, the Growing Up Green Fair is growing just as fast as their little ones. And for Brittany and Tammy, that’s the most rewarding part.
“Our babies were the inspiration behind this,” says Tammy. “And now, it’s grown into something bigger than we ever imagined.”
Details: IG: @growingupgreenfair
Don’t miss the next fair, which will take place on 15 March at Trinity Methodist Church, 4 Daventry Place, La Lucia.
