Hello Pretty is Winding Down

After more than ten fulfilling, magical years beginning in the good old days of 2012, Hello Pretty is retiring and heading off to the beach with a drink with a tiny umbrella.

Read our goodbye letter

Accessories

We All Share Roots featured in British Airways High Life magazine

We were so excited to learn that We All Share Roots was featured in the British Airways High Life magazine in July. That's British Airways' in-flight magazine, which is amazing! I think that makes them kind of a big deal.

This is a business that deserves any coverage that they get. We All Share Roots is a brand with a conscience. They put great importance in keeping everything 100% locally, ethically and sustainably-produced, work with a variety of charities, and, close to Hello Pretty's heart, employ women from local communities.

Plus, their stuff is really freakin cool. I have been going through their store and their Instagram account to select some things to show you and I'm having a pretty tough time of it because their pictures are so pretty, and their bags are all gorgeous.

Go visit their store to see all of their work, and if you like something we recommend acting fast because each design is made in a very limited range of 15 to 25 units. 

Hey ? HP Seller, Apparition Jewellery

My name is Kristin Miles, owner of Apparition Jewellery. I have always been a very creative person, and it's been my dream to have my own store for years.  My parents encouraged me to be creative, and I realised from a young age that is the thing I enjoy most in life.  I enjoy metal music, however I also enjoy pop and classical.  I don't like limiting myself in terms of the creative mediums I can enjoy.

My store was born from this love of the arts and creativity.  I tried my hand at wire jewellery, but it didn't come naturally to me.  I had a few extra supplies lying around after my attempts, so I started putting some earrings together - something I had started doing during my years at college.  When I looked around online for types of jewellery, I noticed that a few of the items I had made were actually chainmaille weaves, and thus my business was born. 

I find immense joy in creating the pieces in my store.  Each is made with love, one ring at a time, to ensure the highest quality and care.  I used to always go buy jewellery in stores, but then you see so many people wearing the same accessories as you!  I feel that, with my business, I can offer something rather unique to people just like me, and allow people to better express their individuality.

I have faced challenges during the short time I've had my business.  I've had people upset that I do the same craft as them and them trying to smear my name.  But you just have to rise above the drama and remember what your own goals are and who you are as a person.  In business, there will always be challenges, but that is just something you need to learn to deal with.  The satisfaction I feel when I create something new that I never made before is just so amazing, and it makes it all worth it.

The highlights for me is that I can just keep growing.  There is so much for me to still learn and so much to try!  There are no limits to what I am capable of, and I can't wait to learn and do more. 

The lows so far have really only been facing the unnecessary drama others cause.  I strongly feel that as crafters and small business owners, we should be supporting and uplifting each other rather than breaking each other down or trying to hamper progress.  There are more than enough people in this world to buy your product, so there is no need to fight or try to hurt each other.

My tips for new sellers is to just go for it!  There is nothing in this world you cannot do or learn.  You are your own limitation.  People will always try to get in your way, but that's an indication that those people should not be in your life.  Surround yourself with loving, supportive people, and just do what you love.  If your craft makes you happy, then go for it.  

This blog post is one in Hello Pretty's guest blog series. Each post is written by a person who is running their online store though South Africa's favourite art, design & craft marketplace.

If you'd like to more view guest posts in this series, and other posts where we interview local businesses, click here.

Wanna write a guest post on Hello Pretty? Email us at info@hellopretty.co.za to find out more.

Ring Bling With Hello Pretty

Jewellery is definitely a girl’s best friend and I love how wearing many rings is in fashion at the moment. Whether you like big chunky rings or small dainty rings, layer them up to give your look that extra something.

Seeing as though more is more in the jewellery world, you can shop for some cute rings without feeling too guilty! Hello Pretty has some amazing designers and I’ve found five rings that you should add to your collection.

This sterling silver ring from Rollin Vintage is simple but different enough to create a statement. I am loving rose gold at the moment, this rose gold plated diamond ring from WHYJewellery will make you stand out, you should treat yourself.  The resin ring from Sugarbird Jewellery Design is very unique; a dried Gaura Belleza has been set in resin and sterling silver.

The onyx stack ring from Meraki Jewellery Design is a great option for stacking your rings, just as its name suggests. The sterling silver cross-over ring from Muchi Galoosh would look great stacked with others as a midi ring or on its own. 

My favourite is the resin ring from Sugarbird Jewellery, I love that it's something completely different!

Image One: sterling silver ring
Image Two: rose gold ring
Image Three: resin ring
Image Four: onyx stack ring
Image Five: silver cross-over ring

Colour Palette- Reds

Summer is officially over in South Africa and we are swiftly moving into autumn. With this comes the colder weather, but also the beautiful autumn colours. I love when the trees' leaves start to change colour; I saw the most beautiful tree with red leaves the other day, and so this has inspired me to put together a red colour palette for today’s post.

This subtle red and white cushion from Kerry Cherry is perfect for the bedroom or lounge and gives just that pop of colour you want. The red seedbead necklace from Blossom Handmade will definitely make you stand out. I love the Veon bag, which comes in tomato red, from the Melo Unlimited Brand store.

The red printed passport cover from Creative Lines is bright enough for you not to lose your passport in your tomato red handbag while travelling. How cute are these egg potjies from Ranzani? What’s great about these is that you can use them for dip pots or to serve salt and pepper as well. 

Image One: red cushion
Image Two: seedbead necklace
Image Three: Veon bag
Image Four: passport cover
Image Five: egg potjies

Men's Accessories with Hello Man

Men's Accessories with Hello Man

We're giving the fellas some attention today, with a few of our favourite menswear accessories - guys, have at it:

Heck there are a couple of things in there that I'd buy for myself!

Gorgeous greys...

Today is a super gloomy, rainy day here in Cape Town, so the blog post for the day seems particularly fitting - and it serves as a great reminder that grey is gorgeous! (it's easy to forget when you have to struggle against the wind and the rain and kiss your suede shoes good bye en route to a morning meeting.)

Behold! A small selection of some of the fab grey items found on the site:

So much of pretty! Banish those gloomy thoughts and embrace the grey - happy shopping!
 

Under R250? Yes indeedy!

If you're looking for beautiful things on a budget, Hello Pretty has you covered. This gorgeous minimalist necklace is handmade from polymer clay and is perfect to accessorise your winter blues and greys. (Ooh, I made a rhyme!) You can get yours from Doeksisters here.

We featured this necklace in our newsletter this week, along with a curated collection of gorgeous items under R250. There's a new theme every week, so if you'd like to be kept in the loop, sign up below!

On a cloudy day...

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