Some of South Africa’s most inspirational and innovative women entrepreneurs will once again be showcased at the wonderful Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair as it returns to the rooftop of Johannesburg’s Hyde Park Corner from 9 – 11 October.

Over the past six years the boutique lifestyle event, which was the first event to combine food, wine and design, has managed to cement its position as an invaluable platform for the country’s top artisanal producers to showcase their work. This year, even more proudly South African entrepreneurs will be bringing their artisanal, bespoke and niche products to the consumer, in the most enjoyable of surroundings. Lionesses of Africa is looking forward to interviewing many of the women entrepreneurs at the event and bringing their stories to our community across the African continent and beyond.

Fair curator Roberta Thatcher says: "While we've always celebrated the beautiful products our exhibitors bring to the rooftop, the focus has now shifted to understanding how those items came to be and recognising the passion, creativity and uniqueness that went into their production.”

"While we've always celebrated the beautiful products our exhibitors bring to the rooftop, the focus has now shifted to understanding how those items came to be and recognising the passion, creativity and uniqueness that went into their production.”

As “local” and “well-made” are an integral part of the Fair, and much like the exhibitors are experts in their chosen field, event sponsor Sanlam is the expert in investments and understands the importance of being able to offer a superior product. Sanlam also has a huge respect for the extraordinary amount of time, planning and sheer determination it takes to turn a dream into a sustainable business despite economic business challenges.

Mia Widlake, co-owner of Studio19, has been selected as this year’s featured designer to give the Fair a fresh, breezy aesthetic inspired by on-trend palettes and materials. This year the Fair will introduce two new sections on the rooftop. On the east side of the inspired design tent visitors have come to know at the Fair, there will be an open-air Bloody Mary lounge, and on the south corner, there'll be a festive beer garden.

Returning exhibitors to this year’s event include Lionesses of Africa favourites,YSWARA, Missibaba, and Dear Rae. Newcomers include other highly talented women entrepreneurs also recently featured on Lionesses of Africa, such as Trebene Scarves, the company founded by Bushera Bashir and producing the most beautiful scarves, each with an inspirational backstory to tell.

"It promises to be a weekend of high-end design combined with the best food and wine in the country. Be inspired by South Africa's artisans and meet talented producers while enjoying their coveted products."

Over the years many entrepreneurs have launched their brands at the Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair, a fact that the organisers take great pride in. This year, two new names to look out for include Almond and Benji + Moon.

Almond is a print-focused fashion label by designers Nicole Levenberg and Claudia Dougherty. All elements of their garments are locally sourced, produced and designed. Lionesses of Africa will be looking to interview these talented new design entrepreneurs at the event and showcase their work to our community.

Benji + Moon is an online pet-ware store that will be launching at the Fair with a beautiful selection of handcrafted designer dog and cat products. They work with local artisans to create, among other things, leather collars, ceramic and wooden bowls, crocheted cat beds, felt dog beds and animal soaps.

For more information on the Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair visit www.SanlamHMC.co.za or contact Artlogic on 011 447-3868.

Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair (Rooftop of Hyde Park Corner)

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