If you are following us on social media, you may have noticed we've taken a little break from our regular content and are using Women's Month to highlight a few of the female entrepreneurs and go-getters that have inspired us the most.
Supporting women-owned businesses is close to our heart because, without most of the women in these posts, we wouldn't have been inspired to take the leap to start Basketly or even know how to navigate this crazy thing called life.
Each has an inspiring story about how they started their business and expert tips to share. Some are even giving some fantastic prizes away.
If you aren't already, follow along on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about these fabulous women and their businesses and to possibly win some fabulous prizes!
Here's a recap so far:
Elmie Stroebel - Life As We Know It Interiors
First up, we celebrated Elmie - founder of Life As We Know It Interiors, a South African decorator, creating timeless residential & commercial environments.
Her motto is “that Life is too short to live ugly”. Her design style is visionary en inspirational bringing energy to your space. She will always try to work with what you have and add on.
Tidy is our sister company - Karin will make moving and unpacking your house a dream. She is an expert in purging, organizing & packing.
Courtney is our personal shopper, handy-lady & art wall expert. No job is ever too big for her. We compliment each other and our combination of skills makes for a successful end story each and every time.
Nadia Best - Sir George
Fine Jewellery for Woman, by Woman.
Hi, I’m Nadia! Allow me to step up to the mic and introduce myself…I’ve started SIR GEORGE because I am incredibly passionate about jewellery.
My favourite part about what I do is creating individual, unique pieces for my collectors. I am and have always been enamoured by jewellery, diamonds, gold, and anything that remotely sparkles.
I love that jewellery introduces its owner, tells a story, and possesses an unexplained magical power. I love connecting with like-minded women that share the same love for Jewellery & its Sentiment.
Here at Sir George, we specialize in bespoke pieces, we reinvent meaningful heirlooms and create exclusive pieces that tell a story.
Every piece of jewellery tells a story and our goal is to create timeless pieces that are meaningful to women.
Our jewellery is curated with love, precision and is intended to be delicate and sophisticated, with its own personality.
Our pieces are on trend and will elevate the modern woman’s basics. We are dedicated to designing from the heart, with attention to quality and detail.
https://sirgeorgejewellery.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sirgeorge_sa/
Linda van der Walt - Pretoria Products
Linda is the proud mom of a wonderful 13-year-old boy. What you see is what you get with Linda – a down to earth dreamer, entrepreneur and talented designer in her own right.
Her passion is creating and collaborating with like-minded individuals and having fun while doing it.
She started the Pretoria Products platforms online in hard lockdown in 2020 out of a desire to help those small, creative businesses so deeply affected by it. Seeing people do what they love and live out their passion brings her immense joy.
With that being the case, she wanted to provide them with a beautifully curated platform within their own community to showcase their talents during a difficult time. In her time at the helm of Pretoria Products, she has met some amazing artists and creators and has a personal relationship with the individual behind the products she advertises and sells.
With the opening of two The Pretoria Products Shops, one in March 2021 and one in December 2021, she now provides a permanent home for these small, creative businesses and products and also fills the lives of her customers with the joy of browsing through beautifully crafted items and adding them to their homes.
After the opening of her shops she also launched an online shop, where people from al-over the country can visit her shop and experience the joy that it brings. She is always ready to receive you with a warm, open smile and share her passion and love for the beauty this world and our Pretoria community has to offer.
Linda’s favourite quote: “In a world where you can shop anywhere, shop local.”
Hazelwood Shop:19 Firwood Road, in the courtyard at L’epis Dore Restaurant.
Equestria Shop:1 Meerlust Avenue, Meerlust Village Shop 6 on the same premises as Afro-boer, behind the fountain.
www.pretoriaproducts.com
https://www.instagram.com/pretoria_products/
Taryn Margo - Montrose Nursery
Taryn has been working in the horticultural industry for more than 15 years.
She continues to build upon a 42 year legacy at her family owned and run retail nursery ’Montrose Nursery’ which opened its doors in 1980.
Montrose Nursery prides themselves in quality plants, fantastic service and all the little extras that go into having a happy green space.
“To
plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” ~ Audrey Hepburn
Shop Address: 66b South Rd, Morningside, Sandton
Madeleine Hugo - The Cotton Company
Madeleine from The Cotton Company fell in love with Turkish towels when she and her family lived in Istanbul.
“Everything there is about slow living and doing things together as a family, from picking vegetables to cooking and eating together,” says Madeleine.
“Their warmth is woven into the fabric of everything they do. Handcrafting is very important to them. Madeleine is a wife, mom, and entrepreneur who has seen her hand in an array of ventures, each offering new lessons,
joys, and hardships.“
Since their inception 4 years ago, Madeleine has never looked back, constantly adding new products to its collection of impeccable design and Turkish Cotton offerings. They have recently added their 100% Turkish Cotton gown as well as their Bohemian throw.
Her focus for The Cotton Company is simple: to create beautiful, timeless products that add beauty to your lifestyle and functionality. She has crafted a unique space for her brand within this category, always keeping her market and client in mind. “My husband is the realist and gets me to see the other side of things. Everyone knows how creatives like to dream! Haha! My daughter is a teenager with the best sense of style, and I always run new colours and designs past her to get the young, cool stamp of approval.” she adds, laughing.
When it comes to sustainability and small batch production, Madeleine loves to share that 100% Turkish cotton is incredibly eco-friendly as it is compact, absorbent, and dries quickly, so you don’t need a lot of water when washing.
Just some good old sunshine to dry it. What makes it even more unique is its array of uses. The lightweight practicality of these Turkish towels sees them going from the bathroom to the beach, to the dining table, and onto the body. A big part of Turkish life is that hammam towels are often woven in the country using traditional methods.
Madeleine adds that they have big plans for 2022, focusing on design and product development for the international market.
Luané Strydom - Lu-May Exclusive Wear
Luané Strydom, the founder of Lu-May Exclusive Wear, your number one source that brings you the latest fashion swimwear and women’s clothing.
Founded in 2009, Lu-May started as a small start-up business from home where we became famous for our swimwear. From there the company expanded to clothing, accessories and all things pretty! Our ranges includes sizes Small – 2X-Large thus we cater for most body types/sizes in
both swimwear and clothing.
I am dedicated to giving you the very best of Lu-May, with a focus on unique, modern and timeless garments.
My passion I helping women find their style and to aid them in finding that special outfit whilst feeling confident wearing it. I love bright colours but can also do natural color palettes. Our future plans include expanding Lu-May even further as we have a great following in the Cape and Jhb.
Our brand also consists of a few franchises and we also supply wholesale to smaller boutiques over SA. Of course, all of this is made possible through our amazing and loyal customers. My favourite quote from Edith Head “You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it” is true. Wearing something beautiful that gives you confidence, opens new doors. I’m extremely excited for Lu-May’s new chapter and we hope to see you all this Summer in our beautiful boutiques.
Stacey Nassif - Kikki and Franki
Kikki and Franki is a Proudly South-African, bespoke decor design range specialising in indoor wall art and keepsakes in the form of decals, wallpaper, memory boxes, linen laser cuts and so much more. We also happen to be the home to The Original Milestone Muslin Blanket. Basically we are the fun part of having kids and owning a home.
Kikki and Franki comes from humble beginnings. We are a small manufacturing and design company that
empowers previously unemployed woman by not only giving them a job and purpose, but we also educate all our staff. We teach our ladies all our design programmes, machine operations, admin, and product finishes. Essentially, they have the opportunity to gain niche skill sets they otherwise would not have been able to require.
We pride ourselves on service and quality and are super proud to brag about how fantastic it is because we work exceptionally hard to maintain the level that has become expected from our brand.
You can find our full product range online at
www.kikkiandfranki.co.za.
You want something custom made that isn’t available online? Drop us a mail on info@kikkiandfranki.co.za or call us on 066 415 6465. We are always happy to assist.
I am first and foremost a mom to my gorgeous (and highly annoying) kids, a wife, a designer, sister, daughter and friend. I absolutely love people and a complete extravert by nature, however, not keen on having the spotlight on me. I am a proudly South African girl obsessed with rugby, music, creativity, food, wine, festivals, travel and strong in my faith.
For me, family is life and I could never live without them. I swear like a drunk sailor and feel no remorse for it either. I am born and bred in the South of Johannesburg and wouldn’t have it any other way. Unless someone would like to purchase and maintain a yacht for me in the Mediterranean.
Rachelle Cilliers - The Book Keeper Shop
My name is Rachelle and I was born and raised in a small East Rand Town, Springs. Growing up I was always aware of the idea of one day owing my own business. This idea was confirmed after I completed a Diploma in Entrepreneurship from the University of Potchefstroom in Grade 10. However, I never knew it would be selling books one day!
Having obtained my honours degree in Accounting and Auditing
later has really helped. I am still a firm believer that my formal education has attributed greatly to how I run my business today.
As for books and reading – what’s not to like? I love reading and have a long and happy relationship with the written word. Nothing comes close to the benefits you get from spending time with a good book. Except maybe coffee. And chocolate.
My advice to other female bosses out there: People (read: staff, customers, suppliers etc.) might not remember WHAT you said to them, but they will always remember HOW you made them feel. Make this part of your mission and vision and I promise, the rest will follow!
This is The Book Keeper Shop – in a nutshell!
Michelle Fourie - Rebelle Design
Michelle Fourie is the Founder and Creative Visionary behind @rebelle_design
She started Rebelle Design in 2010 on a mission to disrupt a “bleh” and boring industry by igniting prospective clients’ brands and communicating their unique brand persona.
12 Years on, we are a TEAM of Rebelle’s with that very same mission - crafting unique & innovative marketing resources that push boundaries.
Rebelle Design has emerged as pioneers in the communication, design & packaging realm. We believe in offering our clients a value-driven experience by not only creating original designs, but also high-end quality products that will leave a lasting impression.
Our company values guide us to our actions in creating the things we wish existed. We approach each campaign with grit, new fangled ambition, moxie and authenticity in our quest to become aesthetes. We strive to deliver industrious & inimitable designs, whilst maintaining a reputation that is virtuous and reliable.
Favourite Quote:
An Ode To Fearless Women
Defined by no man, you are your own story,
blazing through the world, turning history into herstory.
And when they dare to tell you about
all the things you cannot be,
you smile and tell them,
“I am both war and woman and you cannot stop me”
-Nikita Gill
https://www.rebelledesign.co.za/
https://www.instagram.com/rebelle_design/
Madeline Rossouw - Curated Style
I’m Madeline, Master Wardrobe Planner, Personal Shopper, and Style Educator from Curated Style.
I offer a selection of curated services that meet the modern woman's needs; I organise and plan your wardrobe and help you identify the gaps/ which items you need to dress better and easier. I also go shopping with you and teach you new ways of looking at garments and outfits.
With
more than 12 years of experience in the image and fashion retail industry, I work closely with my clients to build their perfect wardrobes: unlocking, defining, and developing their own individual, personal style.
Robyn Davie - Robyn Davie Creative Studio and Fynn Studio
Robyn Davie runs an all-female team at Robyn Davie Creative Studio and Fynn Studio - and absolutely loves women-supporting-women!
There's something magical about having a team around you - especially one built on the warmth, care and loyalty that a strong tribe of women brings to the table. They do it all - from photo shoots and graphic design at Robyn Davie, to studio hire and photo book creation at Fynn Studio.
Their little biz always strives to go above and beyond for our clients, while balancing a healthy work-life balance, in the form of a four-day work week.
They are moms, sisters, daughters. And to each other - they’re friends. Happy Women's Day!
‘My pot plants around my apartment are my garden - and I love nurturing these incredible creatures! I think plants instantly make a home warm and inviting, and a woven basket emphasises that feeling of warmth.’
Littish Swart
Hi I’m Littish and I’m behind Basketly’s social media photos and posts! I absolutely love working with the amazing Basketly Team and can honestly say that this is my dream job!
My passion is helping female entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and during my two-day intimate workshop, my fellow female entrepreneur team and I will share all our branding, social
media and small business secrets, strategies and shortcuts. You will be empowered to build a brand and market it while standing out from your competitors.
For more about my upcoming workshop with six other amazing female entrepreneurs, visit my profile and send me a DM!
We look forward to sharing more Women Owned Small Businesses with you.
