It’s ‘Support Local’ week on SME South Africa. We are showcasing local makers and designers who are behind many beautiful (and delicious) 100% local South African products. This is the decor edition.
See also: Decor; Fashion; Food & Beverages and Beauty
In case you needed a reminder, here are some of the benefits of supporting small businesses:
– Unique products and services
– Funding great ideas and ventures that only exist outside of mainstream, corporate chains
– The money you spend at a local small business funnels back into your community
– Help to create jobs
– A chance to grow the economy
The Urbanative
The Urbanative is a contemporary African furniture and product design company. Some of their signature furniture and decor items are consoles, servers, mirrors and lighting.
Little Green Number
This South African social enterprise up-cycles billboard ads into funky bags.
SA Furniture Initiative
The South African Furniture Initiative (“SAFI”) is a joint initiative of industry, labour and government, and works to promote the development and growth of the South African furniture industry. They have several local furniture designers under their umbrella which they showcase at various events including Decorex.
AmAfrikan
This online retail platform provides African artists and entrepreneurs with a space to showcase their talents and products globally. They specialise in luxury products.
Mash T Design Studio
This interior design firm specialises in furniture and lighting design. Their Tutu 2.0 light won the award for the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa at the 2018 Design Indaba. Founder, Thabisa Mjo, was awarded the “Nando’s Hot Young Designer” award.
Lulusclan
Lulasclan is a textile surface design and creative consultancy studio by creative, Bonolo Helen Chepape. They offer bespoke textiles, wallpaper and home decor.
African Mamas Crafts
African Mamas Crafts is a local crafters co-operative group based in Johannesburg with a focus on uplifting and supporting rural development. They make everything from wire baskets and Christmas bead ornaments to jewellery and handmade vases.
Native Decor
Manufacturers of African-inspired homeware, home accessories and gifts, this company was founded by Vusani Ravele who started the business as a part-time hobby. Some of the products they make are magazine holders, coffee pod holders, lighting, mirrors and wall art, all in a minimalist and urban style.