Material Matters

Today we're talking about one of the most exciting, and honestly, most terrifying, moves a brand can make: going global. Leaving the market that knows you, loves you, and built you, and betting that the rest of the world will too. We are joined by three local businesses and a brand that's been global for over two centuries. Let’s dive in!

What does it mean to make something by hand in a world that moves so fast? In this episode, we speak to South African creators who have chosen to build slowly and with intention. From ceramics and baking to flowers and design, we explore the value of process, skill, and care. Behind every finished piece is time, people, and practice. We talk about the unseen work, the teams behind the craft, and the communities built along the way. This is a conversation about craft, connection, and why handmade still matters.

What does it mean to create art that feels both deeply personal and undeniably South African? In this episode, we step into the world of local artists and creatives shaping the cultural and creative landscape around us. From early influences to evolving practices, we explore how their work reflects identity, place, and perspective. We also discuss how South African art continues to find its voice on the global stage. This is a conversation about storytelling, collaboration, and the role art plays in shaping not just what we see, but how we feel, connect, and belong.

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to build a business as a woman, while carrying the many roles, expectations, and pressures that come with it? In this episode, we speak to female founders who have built brands with resilience, creativity, and determination. From the realities behind the highlight reel to the moments that almost made them give up, we explore the personal side of entrepreneurship and what it truly takes to keep showing up.

What does it really take to build something locally and to be given the opportunity to grow? In this episode, we look beyond the idea of “supporting local” and unpack what that actually means in practice. From access and mentorship to funding and visibility, we explore the realities shaping South Africa’s creative economy. We talk about what it takes to move beyond exposure, to truly back creative businesses in a way that leads to real, sustainable growth. This is a conversation about access, responsibility, and how we can give local a meaningful hand up.

We’re joined by four forward-thinking founders reimagining sustainability through material-led design, responsible production, and long-term impact. From ENOUGH.’s circular approach to beauty, transforming by-products into high-performance skincare, to Mia Mélange’s handcrafted cotton rope pieces that empower women artisans, each brand demonstrates how conscious sourcing can shape both product and purpose. We hear from Laurie Wiid of Wiid Design, whose boundary-pushing use of materials like cork challenges conventional furniture and lighting design, blending handcraft with innovation. And from Sealand, where upcycled and responsibly sourced materials are transformed into durable gear built for adventure — and built to last. Together, these voices explore sustainability not as a buzzword, but as a commitment: to people, to craft, and to the planet. This episode unpacks how creativity can thrive within constraints and how choosing better materials can lead to better design.

We’re joined by four South African founders whose work invites us to slow down, pay attention, and rethink what it truly means to live well. From skincare rooted in science and scent, to clothing designed for comfort and confidence, to daily rituals of note-making, sipping coffee, and surrounding ourselves with beauty - wellness becomes something both accessible and deeply personal.

We’re joined by four founders whose work reveals just how deeply material choices shape the integrity, sustainability, and identity of South African design. From natural fibres and regenerative textiles to soulful ceramics and responsible storytelling, each guest brings a unique lens to what it truly means to source with intention.

We’re joined by four visionary founders redefining what luxury means when it’s rooted in South African soil. From Fieldbar’s finely engineered cooler boxes, inspired by safari heritage and handcrafted in Cape Town, to Pichulik’s sculptural jewellery celebrating sacred feminine power, each brand brings a distinct expression of local excellence and artistry. We hear from Kat van Duinen, founder of her namesake fashion and leather house, whose timeless, minimal designs and sustainable exotic leathers embody true African luxury. And from Heike Hayward of Fleur le Cordeur, whose floral artistry and new lifestyle brand, Mrs Hayward, capture the beauty of abundance, creativity, and emotion through colour and form. Together, these voices explore how world-class quality, craftsmanship, and cultural identity intertwine - proving that South African luxury is not about imitation, but about authenticity, intention, and heart.

Today on the Roundtable Podcast by The Local Edit, we’re speaking with storytellers, creative directors, and thought leaders - the voices shaping the conversations around creativity and design in South Africa. Together, we’ll unpack the state of the industry, the challenges and opportunities facing designers right now, and what it takes to not just create, but to lead, influence, and reimagine the future of our country’s creative world. Pull up a chair, you have a seat at our table.