Roundtable Podcast By The Local Edit

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.