Celebrating Women’s Month at Roche Bobois

August is Women’s Month in South Africa — a time to honour, celebrate, and elevate the women who inspire change, lead with passion, and shape our world through creativity and innovation. With Roche Bobois in the spotlight, we’re sharing more about two of their remarkable women who embody the spirit of design excellence and client-centred innovation: Nadia Chamsi and Kabelo Madiba.

Their stories reflect not only their dedication to their craft but also the powerful role that women play in shaping the identity and experience of the Roche Bobois brand. From creating meaningful spaces to redefining what it means to connect with clients, they continue to leave a lasting impact.

Join us as we honour their journeys, insights, and the inspiration they bring to Roche Bobois — and to the world of design.

Nadia Chamsi

An introduction of yourself, your role and contribution:
My name is Nadia Chamsi. I am the Showroom Manager and Interior Consultant at Roche Bobois. I’m Moroccan, French-speaking, and have been working with the brand for 7 years.

What inspires you in design?
I’m inspired by creativity, innovative ideas, emerging technologies, and visionary collaborations — especially those that bring a sense of fun and originality to design. Working with renowned designers from around the world constantly fuels that excitement. At Roche Bobois, we release new collections twice a year, ensuring our offerings remain fresh, unique, and on-trend.

What motivates me most as a designer is the passion for connecting with people from all walks of life. I find great fulfilment in understanding their stories and helping turn their vision of a dream home into reality.

A professional challenge you’ve overcome or your greatest achievement so far:
Working with extremely high-profile clients has been both a challenge and a rewarding achievement. These clients come with high expectations — especially when engaging with a brand like Roche Bobois — and it’s our responsibility not only to meet but to exceed those expectations. Flexibility, attention to detail, and a commitment to going the extra mile are essential in creating a seamless experience tailored to each individual.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is the power of brand awareness. Many clients may not initially realise that purchasing from Roche Bobois goes beyond acquiring a beautiful piece of furniture — they’re investing in a rich heritage.

Roche Bobois caters to those who seek design that is not only modern, innovative, and fun but also functional and deeply meaningful. Helping clients understand and connect with that vision has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.

A quote or insight from you:
“Your home is an extension of your personality.”

Kabelo Madiba

An introduction of yourself, your role and contribution:
My name is Kabelo Madiba, an interior design enthusiast currently serving as Manager and Senior Sales Consultant at the Johannesburg showroom of the renowned Roche Bobois brand. My role is quite multifaceted, particularly for a brand of our calibre, with a strong focus on enhancing the overall client experience in the showroom. This includes curating a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, while offering personalised consultations to provide tailored design solutions that meet each client’s unique needs.

What inspires you in design?
I’m inspired by the power of design to tell stories and shape how people experience space. It’s not only about aesthetics, but also about being able to reflect the client’s lifestyle and personality. I draw inspiration from art, architecture, culture, economic factors, and many conversations shared with all types of clients. Understanding space, layout, and how people live — or what they value — allows me to craft spaces that feel authentic and functional.

A professional challenge you’ve overcome:
I’ve had to overcome the challenge of balancing creative vision with commercial performance in a luxury retail environment. Bridging that gap required me to refine my consultation approach — listening more intently, asking the right questions, and translating client needs into solutions that are both aesthetically strong and commercially viable. This has resulted in stronger relationships and consistent sales growth.

Or it could be your greatest achievement thus far:
One of my biggest achievements — especially as my background hasn’t always been in the retail sector — has been rethinking how we present collections. Curating the space with a stronger narrative flow and refining our consultation process has elevated the impact of the showroom itself and deepened client engagement, where they feel truly heard and understood.

Also, seeing how design and personal connection can come together to drive success has been a proud milestone in my eyes.

A quote or insight from you:
“Great design isn’t just about what you see — it’s about how it makes you feel. My job is to translate their vision into a space that feels uniquely theirs.”