We love the art, but who’s the woman behind it all?
It was legendary author Kurt Vonnegut who said, “The practice of art isn’t to make a living. It’s to make your soul grow.” And iconic South African designer Carrol Boyes has accomplished both. The one-time English and art teacher began designing house wares after school hours back in 1989, and to date her iconic pieces can be found in all sorts of homes and establishments around the world.
She had turned 35 and was adamant that she was not going to be one of those people who live with regret for all they did not do. “My dream was to be an artist and to earn enough money to survive from my art,” says Boyes. “I realised that I would have to try to make it at some point, or end up spending the rest of my life wondering whether I could have.” A fine arts graduate with a major in sculpture from the University of Pretoria, Boyes was also a realist. Knowing how difficult it is for artists to pay the bills, she opted to take a more practical approach.
The result is a range of high-quality tableware and home accessories that are exported throughout the world and have succeeded in putting South Africa on the design map.
Worldwide, the Carrol Boyes brand has come to represent a coveted, high-end product range associated with fine living. It’s a market comprising both young and old – anyone who enjoys having something special in their home. Although household items are traditionally targeted at women, the nature of the products is such that men love them too.
When Carrol Boyes pieces came onto the market they were unique. But is it possible to maintain the edge when the competition hots up? The truth is that Boyes has had many imitators, but no real competition.
It’s a subject about which she is sanguine. “No-one can match the product quality standards or uniqueness of what we do. If you copy someone, you can only ever be a copier,” she says. “But our customers know what a Carrol Boyes original is and they do not want second best. We have never felt the impact of imitators on the bottom line.”
Carrol Boyes | An eye for the unusual
Carrol Boyes has distinguished her products in the heavily overtraded décor market by focusing on the unique and unusual. Entrepreneurs are envied for their originality, and it’s an attribute that Boyes has honed, recognising that good design is timeless and creates a new language that is easily understood.
To turn a compelling idea into a sustainable, successful business, Boyes has focused on drawing inspiration from the world around her, from what people do, how they live, and how they like to embellish their environment.
In celebration of women
This Women’s Day, we’re celebrating Carrol Boyes. Were not only offering a 20% discount on all Carrol Boyes purchases, but you also have the chance of winning her magnificent “Up & Coming” Tiered Aluminium Server worth R4995!
There’s an iconic woman in all of us- That’s a huge reason to celebrate!
