Roundtable Podcast By The Local Edit

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.