The Handmade Story: A Studio Rooted in Purpose, Now Unfolding in Woodstock

The Handmade Story began in a modest workshop in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, shaped by the heart, instinct, and unwavering vision of founder Merewyn de Heer. In her community, she saw how many women were quietly carrying the weight of HIV and AIDS—those living with the illness, and those whose families and futures had been deeply affected by it. Merewyn wanted to build something that offered genuine support. Something real. Something lasting.

She opened a small workshop that provided steady work, safety, and a space for creativity to rebuild confidence. Over time, it became clear that the need stretched far beyond the initial focus. Many women were supporting sick partners, raising children alone, or navigating loss, even without a diagnosis themselves. Merewyn widened the circle, welcoming any woman seeking stability, skills, and a sense of belonging.

That spirit—grounded, caring, quietly powerful—still courses through every part of the brand today.

What began as a humble initiative soon evolved into a studio recognised for its warmth, texture, and beautifully handmade pieces. As the team’s skills deepened and the designs matured, the work began to attract attention both locally and abroad. The Handmade Story has since collaborated with an impressive roster of partners, including Klaylife, Restoration Hardware, Sarza, and Arhaus, as well as boutique stores, interior designers, and independent studios around the world. Their pieces have found homes in cosy interiors and luxury spaces alike—one even glowing in the home of McDreamy himself.

Each collaboration has carried the work of their South African makers to new corners of the world, sharing a story of craftsmanship, resilience, and intentional beauty.

Today, The Handmade Story celebrates a significant new chapter: the opening of its showroom at The Palms Décor and Lifestyle Centre in Woodstock. The space is warm, relaxed, and layered with the textures and narratives that have become synonymous with the brand. It invites visitors to slow down, feel the materials, explore the collections, and experience the heart of The Handmade Story in an intimate, sensory way.

Although the showroom brings the brand closer to Cape Town’s creative pulse, every piece remains lovingly handcrafted in the Nottingham Road workshop, where the original group of skilled women continues to shape each item with pride and unmistakable artistry.

The Handmade Story continues to evolve, but its mission remains beautifully constant: to create meaningful, handmade pieces while giving women the opportunity to support themselves, build skills, and shape futures filled with possibility—just as Merewyn imagined from the very beginning.