The Southy
Collection Story
My story is one of two homes – South Africa and Australia.
Born in South Africa, I lived there until I was 17. After a short stint in Singapore, I landed in Australia which I’ve called home for two decades.
Creating a product collection with my art has been a dream since I was a child, with memories of me making hippie dresses adorned with flowers, Gingerbread men on Christmas tea towels for family and creating a BBQ inspired patterned apron as a special present to my dad.
I’ve always been determined to find a way to create products in both my South African and Aussie homes to give back to the communities that have nurtured and shaped my life. Fast forward years of trial and error, connecting with brilliant Australian suppliers, sampling and almost giving up I finally got my sign to take the plunge.
When one of my close, lifelong friends decided to open up a homewares manufacturing business in South Africa, I knew this was my time. I had found a way to bring my dream alive in a way that’s authentic to me.
Inspiration unbound
The inspiration behind this collection is…wait for it… *insert drum roll*… South Africa and Australia.
From their gorgeous landscapes and food, to the milestones and melting pot of cultures and people I’ve met in both nations, each one is stitched into the fabric of my memories.
And why Southy, you ask? Well, that was the name my Aussie mates baptised me with when I first arrived as a fresh of the boat South African coming to another Southern land down under.
Curious about the people behind the products?
Who you surround yourself is everything in business. These small businesses deserve to be in the spotlight and I am immensely grateful for their support in bringing The Southy Collection alive.
Elle et a la Maison
Cushions & Napkins
Western Cape, South Africa
My beautiful friend Elmarie started this boutique home manufacturing company in the Western Cape in South Africa. This is no easy task but she has managed to build an amazing company in the last few years that creates jobs and up skills workers, builds community and makes a positive impact on the future of South Africa. Her amazing team handmade all the napkins and cushions.
iPrint Digital
Greeting Cards and Packaging
Sydney, Australia
Local to my pocket of the Northern Beaches, Peter and his team at iPrint Digital have been so wonderful to work with. Coming from a graphic design background, I know the value in finding an amazing printer and iPrint Digital is just that. From the first enquiry through to the final print delivery, nothing was too much of an effort. I love the extra bonus they are just around the corner to check proofs!
Pixel Perfect
Fine Art Prints
Sydney, Australia
Based in Sydney, Pixel Perfect are experts in producing gallery quality fine art prints for illustration and photography. Their professionalism, care and appreciation for the printed image is evident in the beautiful prints that they’ve created for you.
Next State
Fabric Printing and Tea towels
Sydney, Australia
I have been printing fabric with Next State Print in Melbourne for a few years and I still get excited when I receive a package from the and see my designs on fabric.
Their top notch print quality, wide range of fabrics and competitive pricing has made them one of my go to suppliers. They have also recently launched a manufacturing service which was the perfect timing for me to create my first range of tea towels!
People and the planet
Putting people and planet first is a key priority when making my products. I don’t believe that you can ever get it perfect but taking continuous steps to improve our impact on the planet and ensuring we fairly treat people will make the world a better place.
Here are the things I have done to lessen the load on the environment:
All packaging and greeting cards are printed on 100% recycled stock
Envelopes and print backing boards are made from 100 recycled stock
Cello bags are 100% biodegradable
Fabrics are printed using eco friendly water based pigment ink print technology
Printed cotton used for cushions are milled and woven in South Africa
Fine art prints are printed on demand, reducing stock wastage
Cushion inserts are made from recycled PET (plastic bottles)
Reducing wastage by creating a limited amount of each napkin and cushion design
Another reason I’ve loved working with suppliers that I have relationships with in South Africa and Australia, is that it gives me insight into the people are involved in making my products. You can be assured that each person who has played a part in getting these products to you is treated with respect and kindness.
I hope these products bring you as much joy as they do for me! I am always open to feedback, a chat and connection for future collaborations.
Behind the scenes
