Our Artisans
Every thumbprint tells a story | Through the sale of fair trade products, we provide sustainable income for our artisans | Each artisan supports extended family of 12 people on average | Every purchase impacts these artisans preserving craft and culture through every handcrafted piece
Kapula Handcrafted Candles
Kapula began as a hobby in Ilse Appelgryn’s kitchen in 1993 and quickly took on a life of its own, becoming a fully-fledged family business and still operating as such today! Their unique candles are all handmade and hand painted in Bredasdorp, a small farm town situated in the heart of South Africa's beautiful Overberg region. The raw materials to make the candles are meticulously sourced to ensure that every Kapula product is of the utmost quality. The designs are unmistakable! Colorful, brave, and reflective of Africa's vibrant spirit - each candle is a piece of art! In a small farming community where it is not easy to find a job, the family remain fiercely loyal to their handmade processes in order to ensure sustainable employment for as many people as possible. More than 90% of their employees are women, half of which have been part of our team for more than 10 years, supporting their families, their extended families and their community!
Potterswork
Founded in 1986, Potterswork has become one of South Africa’s most celebrated ceramic studios. Based in the small community of Muizenberg, just outside Cape Town, the artists come from nearby communities and are trained in the art of ceramics. This spirit of mentorship and collaboration creates a rich tapestry of styles that defines their work, ensuring every item carries both skill and soul. Potterswork’s distinctive bead-like painting style has become their signature. Every piece is made by hand, crafted with precision and care, and finished with patterns that reflect both tradition and personal artistic expression. The workshop is home to 34 talented artisans who support their families and extended families. Each piece carries with it not only the story of their craft but also the spirit of community & artistry.
Godfrey's Handmade Animals
Godfrey Dambuleni started his creative career making animals and cars out of coke cans in 2006. Now he has a small team that work with him in his workshop located in Salt River, just outside Cape Town, South Africa. Here he designs and makes a range of character animals out of recycled metal, tin, recycled coffee pods, wire and beads – each screaming with personality – ranging in size from small key chains to life-size animals. Godfrey’s team members consist of 'brothers' (dear friends) from Zimbabwe. They all have the ability to use a long nose wire cutter as a second hand. We are proud to help Godfrey and his team continue to grow their business.
Heritage-Africa Home Fragrances
A women-owned company, Heritage-Africa home fragrances are a celebration of South Africa’s diverse cultures and a chance to share the deep and meaningful history of the continent through the sense of smell. The patterns of each collection represent the symbols and traditions that celebrate the colorful African heritage as well as advocates for social harmony. The products are made from the finest ingredients with a focus on quality, care, and the creation of unique merchandise. An environmentally and socially responsible company, Heritage-Africa recognizes that simply telling the story is not enough. They have a mission to be a force for positive change!
The Pewter Factory
The Peweter Factory began in Cape Town, 21 years ago by Alain’s father. Alain Solomon grew up learning his skills under his late father’s tutorial and has been working ever since to drive the company from strenght to strenght. Their pieces can be found in the home of many well-known individuals such as the Nelson Mandela family and Bill Clinton! His small team are dedicated to the traditional techniques used to lovingly hand craft each piece. Only 100% lead free, food safe pewter is used to make the products. By training unskilled locals to help in the workshop, Alain works to create jobs for those less fortunate in his community of Milnerton.
Sunfish Woodworks
Closer to home, Bob Batchik has a background as a professional graphic designer. Wood carving started as a hobby 26 years ago and grew into a full-time occupation and the establishment of Sunfish Woodworks. His workshop is in Detroit, Michigan. Bob specializes in realistic trophy fish carving and wood furniture. A traditionalist at heart, his carvings are created using only hand tools such as drawing knives, spoke shaves, gouges, and chisels.
Fanglasstic
Located near the rural farm community outside of Cape Town, South Africa, Fanglasstic was the inspiration of Willem Basson’s Mother and Aunt who were looking for a ‘hobby’. They purchased a small kiln and developed a process to soften and form glass while adding color and design, this process now called ‘glass fuzzing and slumping’. Willem and his wife Robin now run the business with the help of their small locally recruited team.
SoyLites Moisturizing Soy Wax Candles
The artisans of SoyLites hand craft a range of natural soy-based aromatherapy body candles. The candles are much more than just a soy candle - they are also an effective non-greasy moisturizer that keeps your skin nourished. The candle burns at a very low heat that allows you to ‘dip in’ to the wax and allow it to sink into your skin – great for the hand and feet! The soy is guaranteed not to contain genetically modified materials, and no raw materials that contribute to deforestation are used in the production. Based near Johannesburg, South Africa, the company is family run and loved! They reach out to the local community to find and train their artisans. SoyLites is also proud to be a product sponsor for the Home of Hope orphanage for girls. They provide product on a donation basis for the Home of Hope to sell, generating income to support their wonderful girls.