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

Pretty Personal with Leila Badsha from Bow Peep

Leila Badsha started Bow Peep in early 2011, with a focus on whimsical handmade stationery and accessories. You’ve probably spotted many a Cape Town gal wearing her button earrings and rings; and if you see a dapper gent wearing a bow tie - one he tied himself, natch - chances are, it’s one of Leila’s.

Clockwise from top left: Lightning Bolt Necklace, "Inbetweener" Red Gingham Bow Tie, Polka Dot Button Ring, Light Blue And White Striped Button Earrings, Blue Nautical Earrings, Sailboat Tote, Magnetic Note Pad Red and White

We caught up with her recently:

  1. Hello Leila! So, who are you exactly?
    I’m from Cape Town - I studied at UCT, and after graduating I did a couple of internships. I really hated being an intern so I started Bow Peep because I was so bored sitting around all day at a desk working on Excel. Bow Peep started to take off so I quit my internship and decided to work for myself full time.
     
  2. We hear you. Death by spreadsheet - no thanks! Can you tell us about the wonderful things Bow Peep makes?
    Bow Peep is about whimsical accessories and stationery that won’t break the bank. All the products are handmade, and almost all have an element of fabric in them.
     
  3. What makes you tick?
    I really love fabric and every time I find new fabric it inspires me to make new products. Sometimes just wandering around fabric shops inspires new designs. I tend to come up with new products ether late at night, or when I am really busy on an order and don’t actually have the time to start something new. I also love stationery so I had to add that to my range.
     
  4. Sounds like you have a lot going on! Did any of these flashes of inspiration turn into something we should know about?
    I have started working in silver so you can possibly expect a small silver Bow Peep collection. I have already made some silver button necklaces, and will hopefully come up with more soon. I am also trying to make more things for guys - I am planning on making cuff links but its taking a while…
     
  5. We can’t wait! So, last question: Ever lost any sheep? (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.)
    Hahaha, my friends and my family think I have lost the plot sometimes. I think they think I’m a bit mad but I think you have to be a bit mad to work for yourself.
We couldn’t agree more - just look at Team Hello Pretty ;)
Bow Peep
Design
Hello Pretty
South African Design
Pretty Personal
Interview
Leila Badsha

Posted by Sam on 10 Aug 2012

Hello Pretty co-founder. Curiouser and curiouser. Drupal girl with the itchiest feet you ever saw. Looks like one of those rap guys' girlfriends.