DYNAMIC SAFFA

Name: Mandy Meredith
Occupation:  PR turned African importer | Director of Shengwezi
Hometown in SA: Durban
Current hometown: Surrey

We love interviewing dynamic South Africans from all over the world. Please tell us what you do for a living and long you have been doing it.
I’m a PR turned African importer and Director of handmade home interiors, decor and accessories business, Shengwezi. My career started back in Durban at ABSA Regional Head Office, Corporate Communications where, while completing my degree in PR & Journalism, I did my internship. I then moved to the UK in 2000, where I worked for a top London PR agency, three years later I decided to go freelance. Having enjoyed a successful PR career, I needed more and felt the time was right to start a new venture - and so Shengwezi 'a place in Africa' was born. 

What would you tell someone who wants to get into your field of work?
Firstly, you can achieve anything you put your heart and mind to – if you want it bad enough. You will come up against many obstacles along the way – human and other, but the key is to persevere – never give up! Secondly, do your homework - research your market - and network, network, network...that's key.

What advice do you wish you had received before embarking on your own career adventure?
I was very fortunate to have received a lot of advice from family and friends, even some in the business, which was to never give up. It's no easy feat starting your own business - pretty daunting at the best of times - and hard work. As my mum always says, 'No half measures - if you do something, you do it properly the first time!'

What inspires you every day?
Knowing that with every product Shengwezi imports and sells, it's making a difference to a life in Africa.

Having travelled to many exciting places around the globe, what are your favourites and why?
I would have to say one of my absolute favourites is Morocco, North Africa – for its architecture, cultural richness and opulent decor, followed closely by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Mozambique is another favourite for its beautiful white sandy beaches and clear blue water; and then finally, Australia - for being so much like South Africa - what's not to love!

You capture the dream interior in a fascinating way. The designs are clear, colourful and alluringly African. What does your ideal interior include?
My ideal interior is one of warmth and calm. I've always been nervous to use colour in my home - for fear of getting it wrong, and like many, I've played it 'safe' with neutral colours of Browns, Mochas, Creams - I guess that's who I am. For me it's about being subtle - I like to keep it simple, especially when it comes to incorporating African in the home. Selected pieces of tribal art and decor work so well and when done correctly, can instantly lift the mood of a room, exuding an individual sense of style.

Have you had any weird experiences while on a buying trip?
Yes - more sad than weird. On a recent trip to Swaziland, when I met up with an artisan I do business with and his wife Thandeka, I commented on how gorgeous their baby girl was - only two months old at the time - and jokingly said I'd like to pack her in my bag! Thandeka then very seriously said, 'Well take her.' Shocked at first, I thought she was joking but she wasn't. She proceeded to tell me she has three children and would like to give her baby the best life she can, even if it means giving her away. THIS is what keeps me going - contributing towards providing a steady income for artisans and their families, through the purchase of their wares - fairly traded.

You own your own home interiors, accessories and decor business. Why?
As a South African expat living in London for the past 10 years, it has always been such a struggle bringing things back for the home, due to baggage limitations and customs restrictions - something I'm sure we can all identify with! So I thought, well why not bring Africa here. And I have - through Shengwezi - but with a difference. None of our products are commercially manufactured. They are all individually handmade, fairly traded and unique. No two pieces are the same - truly special.

What are your big plans for the future?

Furture plans include expanding the range and exploring a little further than just home decor and accessories - so keep an eye on my blog - girlfromafrica: http://www.shengwezi.wordpress.com and watch this space!

In a perfect world, where would you want to be right now?
I would have to say, in the bush! It's where my heart is.

'Like' us on Facebook and become a fan of Shengwezi for your 10% loyalty discount when purchasing from our new Facebook storefront. Delivery within the UK is FREE! You're just one click away! For our full range of products, do visit our website