3 DESIGNING WOMEN

“Then I was asked what I could team up with the flowers to make the gift exceptional. I love home body and bath beauty products, so I began tucking upmarket branded ones into the box, and slowly I thought … why not create my own brand of luxe treats? I can do candles, hand wash, lotion, body butters …”

She investigated local laboratories and factories, not easy during Covid, nor because she only needed small quantities. She drew up a business plan, and spent a great deal of time researching different fragrances until she settled on the ones she loved. “It just made sense to pair flowers with scents, and I loved the synergy of it.” Lemongrass, neroli, rose geranium, lavender, lemon verbena – she even has a local

ceramicist who makes her fragrance burners and candle holders.

Kay says, “I’m a big believer in goals – small, achievable ones that you work towards. I didn’t know how this would all pan out, but I had the courage to try. That’s enough for me.” She found a small lab prepared to produce small batches, and began with two ranges organically focused – one an essential oil range, the other fragrance based. She chose what she describes as a little brown Parisienne apothecary styled bottle, and the show was on the road.

Kay’s brand name is LeLaPa, “family” in Tswana, largely in memory of her grandparents and the key roles they played in her life. Her logo is of an oak tree with the branches representing family: “My brands are always built around an ethos of nature. Family roots you, grounds you, they’re your safe haven, and reminds you where you come from.” »

FOR MORE INFO Kay’s products are produced under the Oak Celebrations banner: www.oakcelebrations.com

I’ve always been crazy about shoes,” admits Sue Miles. “And like so many of us during Covid, I had more time to plot, ponder and explore new ideas. I had no idea about the shoe industry at all, and it was a crazy time to start a new business. As Martin Luther King said: You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. So I did!”

It was a daunting project, but Sue had a starting point. She’d always struggled to find different, stylish and comfy shoes, so that was her mantra: “I did some market research, canvassed family and friends, and just had a gut feel. I wanted my shoes to be inspired by international looks and trends, but also drawn from our own rich multicultural tapestry.” Feminine and flattering, her Zaluki range was born, a name with a warm African ring, while simultaneously upmarket and international.

ABOVE: Sue Miles. SURROUNDS: Sue’s

first and second ranges of shoes – platform wedges and handmade mules.

She smiles: “This time last year, I didn’t have a single contact in the industry. It’s been fascinating, challenging and sometimes frustrating to find the right people, but so enriching and exciting. Several people have

been incredibly generous sharing their time and knowledge, and I’ve learnt so much in such a short time.”

Sue’s lived up to the vision she had … and more: “I don’t use synthetics, even in the linings. I use premium materials, always genuine leather and suede.” And she’s proudly South African, committed to supporting local artisans and suppliers wherever possible. From makers of knives and patterns, to craftsmen for heels, soles and uppers, she looked for local: “I wanted in some small way to contribute to building South Africa’s economy, and help retain existing jobs.”

The designs are just exquisite, and it’s clear she’s had such fun designing them. There’s a playfulness about them. She loves the stunning rich-hued leathers and hides which make up her shoes, and being super fussy, you know you’re getting superior quality! Her first range was a bright, fun, deceptively comfy platform wedge in four colourways – cerise, tangerine, turquoise and sapphire blue – perfect for spring into summer. Her handmade mules – plain panel with a contrasting patterned or textured panel – are just as eye-catching with a pair of jeans as they are all dressed up for a glam look. She says, “The V-shape is super flattering and gives length to your legs, making them perfect to pair with a short skirt, cropped pants or long pants.” Sue has a way with words – as she should. Her business before Zaluki was – and is – called Working Words, a PR, brochures, events, and corporate social investment consultancy.

She’s busy designing her third range – a summer sandal – and although she’s currently talking to a few boutiques as potential stockists, you’ll need to hunt them down online via the Zaluki website, Facebook and Instagram. »

FOR MORE INFO www.zaluki.co.za

In August Reddam House uMhlanga welcomed Chantelle Jonathan as the new Head of Prep. With a career in the education sector spanning 33 years, she brings not only a wealth of experience but decades of in-depth study within her chosen field. Chantelle’s overall philosophy of respect for time and those around you is at the core of her vocation to play a role in developing students into successful adults who live lives of value, making a positive contribution to society.

Her love of global travel has shone a spotlight on international best practices in education allowing her to apply her learnings to the benefit of the students:

“We have a finite time span to prepare these future citizens of our global village.

We need to be informed on changes in methodologies and resources in the field of education which changes as the world constantly changes, and navigate these changes quickly to keep our applications on the cutting edge of education.”

Reddam House uMhlanga’s parents can look forward to nurturing a critical alliance between themselves and the school with Chantelle Jonathan at the helm. What they may be surprised to know about their optimistic new Head, is that she is partial to a dance move or two!

FOR MORE INFO 031 566 5736; www.umhlanga.reddamhouse.com