Interior design company, Mash.T Design Studio, is on a mission - to create beautiful spaces. Inspired by its creative founder, Thabisa Mjo, the company prides itself by continuously providing its clients with highly creative solutions to their spatial challenges. The company is constantly working to solidify its status as a design company synonymous with cutting edge, inspired design.

LoA met with Thabisa this month to find out more about this exciting design and lifestyle company that is definitely going places this year.

What does your company do?

Mash.T Design Studio is an interior design firm, specializing in design for the retail and hospitality sectors, and has recently branched out into furniture design.

"I wanted to create beautiful spaces that would inspire anyone walking into them to have an emotional connection with that space."

What inspired you to start your company?

I wanted to create beautiful spaces that would inspire anyone walking into them to have an emotional connection with that space.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

Studies have shown that well-designed retail spaces and offices increase sales and productivity. From the brief given to us by client, we are able to create spaces that are a visual interpretation of that organization's brand identity.

"Studies have shown that well-designed retail spaces and offices increase sales and productivity. From the brief given to us by client, we are able to create spaces that are a visual interpretation of that organization's brand identity."

Tell us a little about your team

I collaborate with three talented young people. Ngwako, is the 3D modeller and product designer. He helps me think through my product and furniture designs, the technical part, how it will be made, what materials it will be made of, etc. Katlego is the social media maven. Lauraine is the intern interior designer who is coming into her own, developing her own design voice.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I've always wanted to have my own business, but when I was younger I thought I needed to do it with friends. So I started three businesses with friends, yet none of them ever took off because we just were not on the same page. It was only in 2013 that I decided to just go for it, to do it on my own.

"I've always wanted to have my own business, but when I was younger I thought I needed to do it with friends. So I started three businesses with friends, yet none of them ever took off because we just were not on the same page. It was only in 2013 that I decided to just go for it, to do it on my own."

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

Mash.T Design Studio will become a lifestyle brand. We will do that by opening retail stores called Aurelia’s, selling furniture and homeware products. These stores will carry products designed in-house and by African product designers. These stores will be located across the continent and all products will be manufactured in South Africa. We will also have a foundation called "Girls With Big Dreams", it's an education scholarship which will support young girls from rural communities to further their studies.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

When I see the joy on my clients’ faces when they walk into their Mash.T Design Studio-designed spaces. When customers see themselves, see their cultures represented in a beautiful way in our products, that's always thrilling. And making a profit is also satisfying, after all, we are in business to make money.

*Nando’s Hot Young Designer 2016 Winner Thabisa Mjo*

"Persevere, adapt and don't be afraid to ask for what your time and or, products are worth."

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Just do it. And listen, listen to your critics, listen to what your customers are saying. Persevere, adapt and don't be afraid to ask for what your time and or, products are worth.

Contact or follow Mash.T Design Studio

WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL thabisa@mashtdesignstudio.com

Why LoA loves it….

There is something very powerful about a company and a brand that has a strong design ethos and the creative talent to inspire so many others through the work produced. Thabisa Mjo is creating such a design force through her company Mash T Design Studio, inspiring everyone who comes into contact with her interior design spaces and spectacular products. She is already getting the design world talking through her spectacular, award winning lighting concepts. Both Thabisa and her brand are tipped for great things on the African continent and globally over the coming years - watch this space! --- Melanie Hawken, founder and CEO of Lionesses of Africa