Minds that Make

The Eco Edit

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.

The Wellness Edit

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.

Material Matters

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.

Homegrown Luxury

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.

Minds that Make

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.