In honour of Women’s Month, we’re shining a spotlight on a group of trailblazing female entrepreneurs who are redefining success in business and life. Discover the invaluable lessons they've learned along their journeys, from overcoming challenges to seizing opportunities.
Co-founder of Okracandle Candle and the Creative Director, Michelle Rust
Aged 29, Michelle is a dynamic, hardworking, and respected woman making huge waves in the business, innovation, and design industries. In 2019, Michelle Rust embarked on a creative journey that began with a challenge during preparations for a television shoot. Needing a specific type of candle unavailable in South Africa, she faced a pivotal moment when her business (and life) partner, Erik, suggested they simply make it themselves. This idea led to the purchase of their first 3D printer and the birth of Okracandlecandle.
Initially, their candle-making was a personal project, but the COVID-19 pandemic inspired Michelle and Erik to share their unique creations with South Africa. Michelle's passion for imaginative installations allows her to artistically tell stories through wax. Her creativity extends to event styling, where she collaborates with Jana from Altijd to create stunning designs.
"My background as a creative professional specializing in trends and design has always driven me to seek innovative ways to express artistry. The creation of Okracandlecandle allowed me to merge this passion with my love for crafting beautiful, sophisticated products. Our candles are not just functional items; they are pieces of art that tell a story, enhance environments, and create memorable experiences," Michelle explains. Michelle's journey with Okracandle merges creativity with entrepreneurship, allowing her to express herself and bring artistry to every space. Okracandle's luxury candles, crafted with Erik's expertise in biochemistry and design, reflect sophistication and grandeur, enriching homes and events alike.
The visionary behind The Velvet Cake Co., and Cake Canteen. Jandri van Zyl
Jandri is the creative force behind The Velvet Cake Co., an esteemed online cake company she founded in 2012. They still use the same recipe to date, never compromising on premium ingredients and the results speak (or tastes) for themselves. Based in Cape Town, Jandri has dedicated herself to delivering exceptional cakes nationwide, earning a reputation for her innovative and artistic approach to baking such as their latest Cake Tub launch. Inspired by cherished childhood memories of baking with her grandmother, who had an intuitive and heartfelt style, Jandri developed a deep appreciation for the art of baking. This early influence is evident in her creations, which blend tradition with modern innovation.
Her commitment to quality and creativity led to the establishment of Cake Canteen, a unique venture that offers a curated selection of exquisite cakes and confections. Partnering with fellow cake suppliers, Jandri ensures that Cake Canteen provides a diverse and delightful culinary experience with the main objective always being, “Collaboration over Competition”.
She continues to captivate cake enthusiasts with her passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence, making her a prominent figure in the South African culinary scene.
Founder and Creative Director at Baskiti, Jana Leonard
During the pandemic - Jana launched Baskiti. Born out of sheer necessity, not just for her, but for countless others too! juggling the demands of a full-time PR consultancy with a 14-month-old toddler, like many parents, she found herself resorting to anything and everything to keep her little one occupied. “I'll admit, there were moments when I turned a blind eye to creative chaos. One such day, my son decided that our veggies made excellent substitutes for his personal ball collection. Potatoes, onions, and sweet potatoes soared through the air, leaving a mess in their wake. It was then that I knew I had to find a solution.” she says.
Thus, Baskiti was born - a simple yet ingenious answer to keeping your veggies (and anything else, really) out of your kiddos' reach while adding a touch of design to any open wall. Since its humble beginnings, Baskiti has evolved into a beloved brand with a strong focus on custom designs within the hospitality and events industries. Baskiti is where design and functionality intersect!
Masterchef Runner-Up and Founder of the successful Mondvol Bakery, Andriette de la Harp
The creative visionary behind Mondvol’s delightful world of baking. Andriette is a passionate businesswoman, driven by a mission to bring joy to everyday life through her delicious creations - from custom cakes to her cake decorating classes, as well as the iconic Mondvol Cookies.
As the runner-up of Masterchef SA Season 4, Andriette's culinary journey taught her the power of self-belief and confidence. She embraces success as a mindset, channeling her experiences into building Mondvol, and more recently the Mondvol Cookie Club as a result she’s seen with her unique Mondvol Cookie creations.
Mondvol thrives on the love and support of its community, which Andriette fondly refers to as family. Her dream is to see Mondvol grow into a thriving female-owned enterprise, dedicated to creating opportunities for women. With core values of respect, kindness, creativity, bravery, inclusiveness, and joy, Andriette invites everyone to join her on this sweet journey, making every day a little bit brighter.
Founder of Lize Mouton Collection (LMC) & Managing Director of Carmién Tea. Lize Mouton
Lize grew up on a rooibos and citrus-producing farm in Citrusdal. She was raised in an entrepreneurial family, with her mother, Mientjie Mouton, who founded Carmién Tea, and her father, Johan, who founded Mouton Citrus. Business and farming have always been intertwined with everyday conversations in her family and are part and parcel of who they are.
It came as no surprise when Lize followed in her parent’s footsteps as an entrepreneur. The inspiration behind LMC (Lize Mouton Collection) came from a Canadian customer who was interested in a premium rooibos brand with a story of a younger generation behind it. Inspired by the passion Lize has for rooibos and the story behind the product, this customer suggested calling it the Lize Mouton Collection.
In addition to running the day-to-day of LMC, Lize is also the Marketing Director at Carmién Tea. She joined the Carmien Tea 12 years after completing her studies in Social Informatics, marketing, and Communications. She then went on to complete her MBA in 2019 at the Gordon Institute of Business Science and has since had two adorable kids.
Lize wakes up with coffee every morning but drinks at least 3 - 4 cups of tea during the day. Her current favourite is our LMC Lemon, Chamomile, and Lavender blend. The Lemongrass and ginger have been favourites since the brand's inception.
