Top Picks for a Proudly South African Christmas
Tag: love local
Love Local – Meet Lauren From Natralogic
A while ago I featured on my instagram stories the most amazing, vegan friendly, organic, pregnancy safe cosmetic products from Natralogic. All proudly made in South Africa. I can honestly say I have been using Natralogic for a little over a month now and I’m slightly obsessed. In fact, as bad as it sounds, I can’t get over the fact that something of such high quality and “prestige” is literally manufactured in our own back yard! That’s a whole different story however, and in a few weeks when I post my review of the range I’ll be launching a giveaway to go with it. Whether you are pregnant or not, trust me, this is not a giveaway you’ll want to miss out on, so keep your eyes locked on my page 🙂
For now I want to tell you more about Lauren’s journey in creating Natralogic. I’ve said it before but motherhood opened my eyes to a hugely creative, influential community of strong powerhouse mama’s. They continue to inspire me and push me further everyday and Lauren’s story is no different. So read on to see how she went about starting this incredible range, and what her plans are for the future. I hope her story inspires you to go out there and achieve your dreams, it is possible!
Tell me more about yourself and what you currently do?
I was born in Cape Town but was raised and schooled in Durban. I attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal and after qualifying, I began a career in the cosmetic industry as a formulation chemist. I currently work as a Consulting Cosmetic Research and Development Chemist with a cosmetic manufacturer in Durban. I have been with my husband Donald for 15 years and we have been married for 8 years. We have a 4-year old son, Connor, and live in Hillcrest, Durban.
How did “Natralogic” come about?
When I became pregnant with Connor, I became very discouraged in trying to find safe and effective skincare products to use during my pregnancy. The majority of products available in South Africa for pregnant mothers contained harmful ingredients that are not recommended for use during pregnancy as they have been associated with miscarriage, bleeding complications, congenital disabilities, disruption in foetal growth and some are known carcinogens. The limited natural products that I could find were mostly just thick oils and balms that made me feel so sticky and hot, which as you know isn’t ideal during pregnancy, and did not have sufficient concentration levels of active ingredients to be effective. Being involved in the skincare industry, I was fortunate to be able to develop products to use during my pregnancy, which I made sure contained only the safest, most effective natural ingredients. This then inspired me to launch Natralogic, South Africa’s first all-natural skincare range developed specifically for the needs of pregnant women, with the intention of helping other moms feel empowered and at ease over their pregnancy skincare choices.
What did you study – was it in this field or something different?
I hold a Master’s Degree in Pure and Applied Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal where I graduated with several Certificates of Merit and Deans Commendations. I also hold a 2-year Diploma in Cosmetic Chemistry from the Society of Cosmetic Science South Africa where I graduated top in the country and received the Norman Sanan Award for most innovative product design. During my studies, I also published several articles in peer review Journals including the Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, the Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics and the Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Review. My Master’s thesis at the time of publication was also considered to be a viable cure for cancer.
Whilst my Diploma in Cosmetic Chemistry is very specific to my field, my Master’s Degree in Pure and Applied Chemistry is probably more suited to pharmaceutical research and development. This Master’s Degree has however given me a greater understanding of how various cosmetic ingredients interact with each other, resulting in high quality formulations, and at what levels these ingredients become effective or harmful to the human body.
What was your first job and how did you progress to this?
When I finished University, my first job was as a laboratory technician which wasn’t very challenging and at times extremely tedious. It was always my dream to work in the cosmetics industry and in 2011 I was lucky to find a job with a cosmetic manufacturer in Durban. I have since left that company and currently work as a Consulting Cosmetic Research and Development Chemist with another cosmetic manufacturer in Durban. Over the years I have been involved with the formulation and manufacturing of some of South Africa’s leading brands including, Woolworths, Lil-Lets, Clicks, Sorbet, Oh So Heavenly, Island Tribe and The Tan Lab to name a few.
What’s the best part of your job?
I know this may sound really cheesy, but the best part of my job really is being able to do what I love. I love cosmetic products and more importantly, I love developing and creating new and innovative products. Also, having been fortunate enough to work with so many leading brands, it is uncommon for me to meet a woman who hasn’t used at least one of the products I developed and I find it very rewarding to have been able to develop products that can improve and add value to people’s lives.
What have been the highlights of starting your own business?
Seeing my passion actually materialising into something real. When I started this journey 4 years ago it was my dream to develop a product which was truly the best at what it was formulated to do. At times I was ready to throw in the towel and give up, but somehow everything seemed to come together in the end, and for me, that sense of achievement has made everything worthwhile.
What is the most challenging part?
They say that the three most stressful things in life are getting married, building a house, and getting a divorce. I’ve already done the first two and hopefully never do the third, but I would have to say starting a business is probably the next item on that list. Getting things up and running required a lot of time which is something I had very little of while working full-time and being a mother to a newborn baby. But like everything else on that list (except divorce) it has been all worth it in the end.
Describe a typical day in your life.
I get up in the morning, get Connor ready for school, head off to work, pick Connor up 5:00 pm from his Nana’s house, make him dinner, feed him, bath him and get him ready for bed. After he is asleep my husband and I try to watch a little TV together and I try to get into bed by 9:30 pm (I need my 8 plus hours). Somewhere, somehow, I managed to fit Natralogic in between all of that. Luckily, I have some repose on the weekends which is then dedicated to family.
What are the “secrets” to your success?
I am not really sure if I would call Natralogic a “success” at this point. We’ve done well so far but there is still a long way to go. However, in every other aspect of my life, I have always strived to never accept anything but the best. I’ve applied this same principle to formulating Natralogic and this principle hasn’t let me down yet, but check back in a year or two and hopefully by then, I will have all the tips you need.
How do you balance being a mummy and starting your own business?
I know it may sound like I have everything worked out, but to be brutally honest, I don’t. My life is a chaotic whirlwind of commitments. However, I have found that it all really comes down to priorities. If you make something in your life a priority then you will always find the time. Fortunately for me I work on a contract basis so my days are somewhat flexible and I am always able to attend all the important events in Connor’s life. But when I am not with my family, I am formulating products for other leading brands, and when I am not doing that, I am squeezing in as much Natralogic time as possible. Donald has also been a huge help with the “business” side of Natralogic, a couple of times working until the early hours in the morning. I really could not have gotten this far without his support. My mom and dad are also a huge help with Connor and I am greatly indebted to them for all they do for me.
What is your dream for Natralogic?
To one day become a household name in SA for pregnant women. Right now, I honestly believe Natralogic to be the best quality, safest and most effective product available on the market for pregnant mothers. This range has more quality and safety certifications than the vast majority of any other brands available, both locally and internationally. We use only the safest natural and organic ingredients which have been chosen by a unique 7-step pharmaceutical grade ingredient selection process. I hope that one day all women realise the importance of using safe products on their skin, especially during pregnancy.
Any tips for people wanting to take the leap and start their own business?
Starting a new business is actually a bit like having a baby. Just like a baby it will keep you up at night, you’ll spend all your extra cash on it and just when you think you have solved one problem, another problem will start. But it is important to persevere and just like having a baby I can guarantee you it is all worth it in the end.
Love Local – Felt and Fairies, Meet Claire From “The Little Banner Company”
I think the thing that I love the most about Motherhood, is that it’s opened my eyes and network to the most incredible, creative women. Since I’ve had the boys I have connected with women whose creative talents leave me speechless, literally! Claire is absolutely one of those women.
I first came across Claire on Instagram, while she and her family were still living in the UK. Our boys are similar ages and she had the prettiest feed and photos of her explorations with baby Jack, she even moved back to Cape Town just as we moved back to Johannesburg. I feel like we were destined to “meet” each other, “soul sisters”, even though we have never actually met “IRL”. 🙂 🙂
Anyway, enough of my blabbing, among Claire’s many talents (you should see her gathering and art skills), she started “The Little Banner Company” which makes the most adorable felt products for kids. Think magical wands, crowns, christmas stockings and the sweetest banners for kids rooms, offices, or wherever you feel like really! I chatted to her in a bit more detail around her exciting plans for 2019!
Tell me more about yourself and what you currently do?
I’m Claire! I am married with two kiddos. We moved to Cape Town 3 years ago after being in the UK for 12 years, and, it has been the best decision we ever made! I have a part-time admin job for a few mornings a week and I create content, photograph and blog over on Gathered By Claire as well as create and sell fabric and felt products in my online shop – The Little Banner Company and at craft markets.
How did “The Little Banner Company” come about?
When I was on maternity leave in 2014 I found creativity was my outlet and allowed me to do something for me – having a baby is all time-consuming so I thrived by creating, writing and photographing each day and sharing it online. I then got into sewing banners and they did really well on etsy and I loved doing it. I then fell pregnant with my second unexpectedly so put it the business on hold for a few years. In 2018 I started creating again and realised I have such a passion for creating products for my customers to brighten their homes.
What did you study – was it in this field or something different?
I studied psychology and health & social care – but I never did anything with my degree. In hindsight I think I just studied because I felt it was something that was expected of me. So, no – nothing to do with what I am doing now!
What have been the highlights of starting your own business?
Freedom! I really struggle with authority and having to do things in someone else’s timeframe. I love creating and am really passionate about it – it has brought me so much joy to do the thing that I love for my job. Making my own money is also very important to me and one of my goals over the next few years is to become financially independent. Also connecting with other creatives on social media has been such a huge blessing – Instagram is a wonderful community and there are so many of us out there who are like-minded and cheer each other on.
What’s the best part of your job?
Having my own schedule and seeing a finished product.
What is the most challenging part?
Sticking to a routine and procrastination.
Describe a typical day in your life.
I normally wake up around 6am. I shower, get dressed and have breakfast with the boys while they play and get ready for school. I take them to school around 7:30am and then either come home and do some work or go to my part-time admin job. The boys stay at aftercare 3 days a week until 3pm so on those days I try to get a lot done. On the other two days we either have swimming or a playdate with friends. Supper is at 5pm, followed by shower time, a bit of tv and then into bed for 6:30pm. We are very strict with an early bed time as Jack & Harry don’t nap so most evenings, they are asleep by 7:15pm. In the evenings I tend to tidy up the kitchen (I prefer going to bed with a clean and tidy kitchen!) and then do some sewing, writing or sometimes I watch a bit of TV. And then asleep by around 11pm. And onto the next day!
How do you balance having a family (being an amazing mum and wife) and starting your own business?
It is hard! But I am very strict with making time for myself and my business and then at the same time making time for my family. It is something you have to muddle with and after some practise you find your groove and what works for you and your family. I think it is all about honesty with yourself, communication with your partner and being kind to yourself. I also believe you can have everything you want but just not all at once so its about accepting that and being realistic with what you can do in the time that you have.
What is your dream for The Little Banner Company?
I would love to have my products stocked in various shops around South Africa. I want to sell more internationally too and also grow my blog and help others realise their passions and do what they love. I want to share more content about simple living and help others with creativity and motivation.
Any tips for people wanting to take the leap and start their own business?
Just do it! You have to start somewhere. Write down your goals, your dreams and your aspirations as if money was no object. Break these goals down into little steps and then each day work on those steps. Good things take time but if you never start, you will never know. Action breeds confidence and with confidence and the right attitude you can achieve anything!
You can find Claire online across the following sites:
Blog: www.gatheredbyclaire.com
Online shop: www.thelittlebannercompany.com
Instagram: claire_choudhry
GIVEAWAY:
Claire has kindly said that she would like to custom make a banner for any reader/ follower here, anything you want!. It is the perfect addition to any nursery/kids room, teachers gifts and would make a gorgeous gift as well.
To enter:
Make sure you are following @IntheseStilettos and @Claire_Choudhry on Instagram
Leave a comment below, (here or Instagram) and tell me what your creative outlet is?
Competition is only open to Residents of South Africa and will run until Midnight on February 27th 2019.
Winners will be announced on Instagram and will have 24 hours to respond.
Remember, the purpose of the “Love Local” series is to inspire you to reach your dreams. Chatting to families and individuals who have just gone out and followed their dreams and made something out of their passions! So out and conquer your dreams. Everything is achievable, day by day!
Love Local – Meet The Creative Mastermind Behind Sugar & Paper Parties
Sometimes in life you have that one friend that completely takes your breath away in all that they do. Since meeting Liezl more than 2 years ago her talents have literally left me speechless on more than one occassion. She has supported and helped me with my blog on numerous occassions from a design point of view, is a photographer extraordinaire and more recently has launched a baking and design business Sugar & Paper.
As we kick off 2019’s “Love Local” Series, she was a no brainer to be the first to feature. I’ve showcased her skill a few times on my instagram page, but I really wanted to get more insight into how she has grown Sugar & Paper Parties and what her plans are for the year ahead. Be warned, this post will leave you drooling, not only does her baking look too good to eat, but it’s literally the most flavourful I have ever tasted too. I use Liezl for my boys parties and everyone always asks who made the cake! All of her details are at the end of the post to order. Youre welcome 🙂
For now, over to Liezl:
Tell me more about yourself and what you currently do?
I am a born and bred KZN girl and grew up on the south coast but moved inland to finish my
schooling. I have been married to Michael for almost 12 years, and have two children,
Amelia (6) and Diego (3.5). I am a freelance Graphic Designer, Party Planner and now,
baker 🙂
How did “Sugar & Paper Parties” come about?
I have done freelance Graphic Design since 2013, but having always loved parties and
baking, last year I decided to start my party planning business, Sugar & Paper. I call myself
“a celebration enthusiast” – I can conceptualise, design, coordinate and style your event,
and even bake the tasty treats. A one-stop-shop of good taste!
What did you study – was it in this field or something different?
I studied Graphic Design at Tech for 3 years.
What was your first job and how did you progress to this?
I have always been a Graphic Designer and when I was pregnant for the first time, I had all
intentions to go back to full-time graphic design work once our baby was born. But then
Amelia came along and I realised that I just could not leave her with a stranger and return to
work. So, I decided to stay at home with her and become a WAHM.
What have been the highlights of starting your own business?
The highlights so far have been the positive feedback from clients, their genuine happiness
drives me.
What’s the best part of your job?
Being able to dedicate my time to my children when they need me, while still having a creative
outlet.
What is the most challenging part?
Obviously making sure you have enough clientele to cover your expenses. I am very
fortunate to have a supportive husband, who keeps us afloat most months. But I am really
proud to contribute financially when I can.
Describe a typical day in your life.
A typical day is that of most Moms – get the kids up and ready for school (while half-sleeping myself
as I always go to bed way too late!) Amelia and Diego attend school half-day, so I try get most
work done during the day (design-wise) and spend the afternoons with my kids, running
errands, etc. I also work at night once they are asleep and I’ve finished all the household
stuff (I’mnot the best domestic but I do try!)
What are the “secrets” to your success?
I don’t think I have any secrets to success just yet – ask me in a year’s time 🙂
How do you balance having a family (being an amazing mum and wife) and starting your own
business?
It can be difficult at times, as a small business is like another child and demands just as much
attention! Fortunately, my kids are a bit older now so play well on their own together if I am very
busy (although that does often seem to end up with more mess than I’d expect!) I do sometimes
have to bake and source party paraphernalia with my tiny business partners in tow! They
don’t mind as they enjoy it and I try involve them in small ways, like baking extra cookies for them to decorate while I am busy. The juggle between being an entrepreneur, wife and
mom…and still being yourself too, is a challenge but I’m hoping 2019 is my year to master it!
What is your dream for Sugar and Paper?
I hope to build Sugar & Paper into a brand that people will immediately think of when it comes to
parties. Right now, I seemed to have slid more into the cookie side of my talents, but hope that I will
be able to become ever more involved in the design side too.
Any tips for people wanting to take the leap and start their own business?
It’s a scary endeavour but you will never look back!
Please show me how the hell you make your cookies so incredibly perfect ? 🙂 🙂 🙂 Will you give
lessons one day?
I’ve been asked by numerous people if I’d host lessons on cookies! 🙂 Cookies are finicky and a lot of
cookiers will agree that everything we do comes down to personal preference so for me, it would be
a difficult thing to “teach”. Also, I am a bit of a control freak, so may have to sit on my hands in order
not to cut in and just décorate everyone’s cookies for them ha ha
You can visit my websites www.sugarandpaper.co.za (Party Planning) and
www.lastveigas.com (Graphic Design), follow my instagram feed @sugarandpaperparties.
Otherwise, I can be contacted on hello@sugarandpaper.co.za for party stuff,
hello@lastveigas.com for design work, or call me 0732881013.
GIVEAWAY:
Sugar & Paper Parties and In these Stilettos are giving away a box of “Mixed Love” for Valentines Day! The perfect box of cookies to spoil yourself (or a loved one if you can bear to share.)
All you have to do is make sure you are following @sugarandpaperparties on instagram (Ill check) and @IntheseStilettos and comment on the pic on my feed.
Winner will be announed via Instagram on Sunday 10 February 2019
Love Local – Kelly Ann from “Party Playdough”
The “love local” series focuses on local, proudly South African individuals, making waves in their
industries. Breaking boundaries, creating empires and being the best inspiration of locally produced/manufactured products.
Meet Kelly-Ann Gibbon. The founder and creator of “Party Playdough” is the beginning of an empire. Kelly-Ann creates unique party packs especially designed for childrens parties, as well as the cutest mixed-media/ educational playdough sets. She has won two awards through “MommyMall”, last year walking away with winning the “Mompreneuraward” and this year being awarded the “Naomi Butow Business Excellence Award”.
Read on below to find out more about Kelly Anne and her career journey thus far…
Tell me more about yourself and what you currently do?
I am a full time working mom 🙂 who loves her job. I qualified as an oral hygienist from the University of the Western Cape in 2005, and was awarded the Golden Key international Honours
society award. I really really loved studying and if I ever get the chance I would love to study dentistry. I work in private practice currently along side a dentist, we see clients everyday and provide great high quality service. Our clients are everything to us. I run a recall system which means I am responsible for recalling our patients on a regular basis to maintain their oral hygiene and healthy mouth all year round. So from 8-3pm I am a oral hygienist but then I magically transform to a mommy and playdough queen after working hours 🙂 I love being active so I am quite sporty, I’ve run a handful of half marathons and love training. I also do pole dancing as a sport as well as sup boarding.
How did “Party Playdough” come about?
As a mom, I have catered and planned many parties for my kids. It’s lovely but there is a lot of
sugar that is involved in party planning. Professionally I am helping my clients avoid the effects
sugar can have on their teeth and I think it’s only fitting that I came up with a Sugar-free party
pack don’t you think 🙂 It’s really a educational and fun twist to our usual sugary and unhealthy
sweetly loot bags we have so frequently handed out. I make handcrafted Playdough, specifically
tailored to your party theme. Glittery or plain, and in any colour under the sun 🙂 I’m always up for
a colour challenge 🙂 so far it’s been a beautiful journey. I pride myself on the fact that my dough is
NON toxic and super soft, with NO harmful preservatives or chemicals. I use a natural preservative
, being salt. So if your child takes a little bite out of their Playdough biscuit they so delicately created don’t stress please! Apart from Party Packs I supply mixed media sets too. These are Playdough sets with a theme attached to it. I have many, dinosaurs, silly spiders, under the sea etc. They have been a massive hit and I love creating new themes, currently I’m busy developing a few more which will blow your minds. These sets are aimed at imaginary, educational play, to inspire your child to explore and just have great fun all while improving their fine and gross motor skills.
What was your first job and how did you progress to this?
As most people, I started off as a waitress at spur 🙂 I had to earn some extra moola and progressed to
more academically challenging environment as I realised I needed to further myself. As time passed I became incredibly interested with the idea of being in the dental industry and gravitated I
suppose to where I am today. I really love children and I enjoy my job.
What have been the highlights?
My highlights? There are many.. the birth of my business in 2015, winning the “Mompreneur
award” last year, this year being awarded the “Naomi Butow Business Excellence Award” at the
Cape Sun hotel. My online shop is active and I’m very proud of this development, thanks to my wonderful friend Nelia Smit who designed this for me!
Working hard and really being elevated by these awards surprises because it lifts my spirit to
continuously aim higher and work on my business ideas everyday!
What’s the best part of your job?
Best part….. hmmm.Thats a tricky one but I’d say I pour my heart and soul into my orders so when I get messages and pictures from very happy mommy’s and little customers I smile from ear to ear,
be a use their joy is my joy !
What is the most challenging part?
Time management is a big issue for me why are there only 24 hours in a day. Why cant a supplier
be open at 11pm when I run out if stock 🙂
Describe a typical day in your life.
I feel horrible writing this, because my morning are chaotic but here we go.Wake up at 5:30am,
prep school clothes and lunch boxes, I then organize breakfast for everyone. (I’m addicted to tea so I’mprobably on my second cup by 6am 🙂 ) get everyone up with their breakfasts waiting and inspire them to move it along…. eeeeek the clock is ticking….. I’m always stressing about traffic. Make myself semi decent and try remember to brush my hair. I’m always rocking a mommy bun, not sure I even know where my hair brush is? Fight traffic into town, start up my surgery, I see my first client at 8:15 am. I work straight through till 3pm and jump into the car to collect my monsters from school, juggling school meetings/sports practices/my business orders and queries in between all this chaos is hard, but some how I have mastered the task…. or at least I think I have. We eat a nice warm meal together every night, that quite important to me and discuss our days because if we don’t, I have no clue what is going on in their little lives. My kiddos go to bed at around 7:30pm and that when I start admin work, and my orders. It’s more often than not a very long day for me as I put my head down at 1am. It sounds more crazy than it actually is, I can’t imagine my day being any less hectic to any other mommy out there, but that’s my routine in a nutshell.
We love to break routine, there’s nothing more dangerous than getting stuck in it, so weekends we are All up.early, breathing in the fresh air, eating brekkie on the beach and catching some waves and sun rays, skate boarding or having adventures around us in our beautiful city, you only live once right?
What are the “secrets” to your success?
I sometimes wonder myself but if I carefully think about it, I’d have to say my passion and
dedication to my quality control because in my opinion, having handmade goods can either be a
success or just overlooked. I wanted my dough to really stand out and be special, something every
mom wants to order for their kids. I am quite particular with finer details so I focus on those as I
really feel it and it sets your product apart from the next one. My Playdough is Non-toxic and
handcrafted, specifically tailored for every order. I pride myself on high quality finishes and
beautifully packaged, to create a-wow- factor….
How do you balance being a wife, a mother, all while running a successful business?
So this has been a constant worry because there is only so much you can do. I would not call myself blemish free in this department….. I think I’ve made enough mistakes along the way to realise that as soon as you feel you have a sense of balance in this department, life will come along and totally throw it out of sync…. but to be very honest the answer is to do your best, and have a good support system. Call on those favours, drop the kids off at granny so you can go for a run around the neighbourhood and don’t sweat the small stuff. I’ve burnt many a dinner dish because I’m juggling too much.
What is your dream for Party Playdough?
I dream that this business Will continue to grow from strength to strength and be a constant form
of joy to children all over the world, because yes, even though I’m rooted in the mother city, I have
packs travelling all over the world. Canada, Amsterdam and the USA! I want the playdough love to
travel far and wide and I hope my kids will draw inspiration from my hard work and always know
that what I do, I do for them and their futures.
Currently I’m in partnership with adventure clubs, gazoome play center and bash in Cape Town. I
am their resident Playdough supplier. Negotiations are underway to be in a few wimpy and
Colcacchio stores in the very near future and start branching out even more…
I am the ultimate “Party Playdough” fan and her mixed media kits are amazing! To learn more or order your own Playdough or Mixed Media sets visit www.partyplaydough.co.za
Ill be giving away one lucky reader TWO mixed media sets of your choice!
Simply make sure you are following and have liked, Party Playdough on facebook and Instagram and comment below on what your dream “mixed media set” would be.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PartyPlaydough/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partyplaydough/
Love Local – LABEL Collections
The “love local” series focuses on local, South African, women who are making waves in their industries. Breaking boundaries, creating empires and being the best inspiration of strong, driven women to society. This week I’m featuring the incredibly talented Nadia Turton, Founder and creator of “LABEL Collections”. Nadia began working in the retail industry where she learned the basics and gained an idea of what she liked before graduating from Cape Tech with a degree in fashion design. She spent two years in London before returning to Cape Town where she gained experience designing for retailers Truworths, Foschini and Edgars before finally launching LABEL Collections.
I have always been a more “classical” style when it comes to fashion trends, preferring items that I can wear year after year and perhaps mixing it up with one or two key pieces. I have always admired LABEL Collections style and cuts and when I found out the company was local, I had to find out more!
LABEL Collections is about luxury, quality, simplicity and integrity.
With the intention to design pieces that are for longevity and not landfill, always chic and comfortable, reflecting the confidence and versatility of their global customer.
Subtle signature LABEL Collections details allow us to evolve rather than re-invent. We love that you can purchase less and receive so much more wear, season after season, out of every LABEL Collections piece. Team the first seasons dress with this seasons coat for an instant wardrobe update.
Their collection is produced locally, where Nadia personally sources the fabrics and trims which are then created into our beautiful, easily wearable Cape Town made garments. Limited quantities of each style are produced, keeping it exclusive. Their goal is to create jobs and support positive social, cultural and environmental shifts.
Feminine, contemporary, effortless chic designs set LABEL Collections apart.
Nadia, creator of LABEL Collections, lives in Cape Town with her husband and two boisterous pugs.
Stalk away @nadiaturton
Label Collections : www.labelcollections.com and instagram : @label_collections
Read on below to find out more about Nadia and her career journey thus far.
Tell me more about yourself and what you currently do?
More about myself, well I love surfing, trail running, mountain biking, Gin and all things pretty. My favourite thing to do is spending time with family and friends and sharing a few G&T’s and see who can create the best G&T.
What I currently do? EVERYTHING – haha, So a quick run down of the process of getting a garment onto the online store and into boutques coutnry wide: First I research trends, including silhouetes, fabrics, trims, garment finishes and then I put a mood board / inspiration board together. From here I decide which direction we’ll be going this season – so many different trends and influences to be considered, I then adapt it to fit the brand and our ethos. Next step is to design the new collection, broken down into assortments – so tops, bottoms, caots / jackets, dress (knits & wovens). Once I have the basis of the collection, I then start to weigh up each design. Does it fit the brand ethos – is it chic, comfortable, easy to wear, easy to style and does it have longevity, would it be able to be worn for more than one season? Only once it has ticked all these does it crack the knod to be included into the collection. From here we source and purchase fabrics, have patterns made and then we go into production. When I see final products, I feel like a kid on Christmas day. It is the best feeling (and never goes away) when you see the actual garment made and ready to go to store. In between we arrange photo shoots for the online store and a lot of admin.
How did “Label Collections” come about?
After designing at various studios and for the retailers, I decided to branch out on my own and start LABEL Collections.
What did you study – was it in this field or something different?
I studied Fashion Design. Traveled for 2 years and then started working as a designer at a studio who supplies the major chain stores.
What was your first job and how did you progress to this?
My first job ever was as a casual sales assistant at Stuttafords and then at Juanita Pacheco while studying fashion design. At Juanita Pacheco I learned a tremendous amount about owning a store and implemented those systems when I owned my own boutique store.
What have been the highlights?
Selling my first collection to a boutique.
Seeing someone besides family and friends wearing one of my garments
My first magazine feature
Opening my own factory and employing my first ever staff member and growing from there
Owning a boutique store
Everytime I receive an order from our online store – it still makes my day EVERY SINGLE TIME!
I am grateful for every single customer and brand follower we have!
Finding and building an incredible team to work with.
What’s the best part of your job?
Seeing people wear the garments I have designed and the LABEL team has made!
It is so rewarding for us and makes what we do so worth it.
What is the most challenging part?
The most challenging part is to not produce everything we love and want to.
It is definitely that edit we do after conceptualising the collection. It often takes us weeks to decide on the final collection.
Describe a typical day in your life.
Every day is different, but I normally start with COFFEE @ 5:30 maybe 6 am if I am really lazy. Then I do something fun like surfing, riding, running or yoga, it starts the day right and somehow makes me more focused.. And then at about 7:30 / 8 am I start with emails, then at about 9 am with my rounds (going to fabric suppliers, trim suppliers, pattern maker, graders, cutters and then the factories). And then back to the office for more emails, research, processing orders, sorting orders etc. Work never stops, I am always thinking about the collections, always searching for something awesome to use or incorporate or just be inspired in general. I try and switch my Mac off at about 4:30 / 5, otherwise I’ll continue and never stop.
What are the “secrets” to your success?
I don’t think I have any “secrets”. I think it is just perseverance and grit. Trust your gut. Keep the end goal in mind – always.
How do you balance it all?
It is easy – only kidding. Somedays better than others!
What is your dream for Label Collections?
To grow the company and by doing so, to create jobs and support positive social, cultural and environmental shifts with in our local community and South Africa. We would like to continue to design pieces that are for longevity and not landfill, always chic and comfortable, reflecting the confidence and versatility of our global customer. To continue to build a community around our brand with followers and fans that are as passionate about and love the brand as we do. We really do love and value our customers and followers.