Celebrating the Vision, Resilience, and Living Legacy of Linda Trim

From a bold idea on the shores of Lake Como to redefining the way South Africa thinks about workspaces, Linda Trim’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a pioneer in locally produced office furniture and a driving force in workplace design, Linda has spent the last 21 years building brands that reflect innovation, integrity, and impact.

Now, with the full acquisition of AngelShack, Klassworks, and Inspiration Office, Linda steps into a powerful new chapter—one that brings her full circle and places her at the helm of the very legacy she helped create. Her story is one of passion, purpose, and perseverance.

In this exclusive interview, Linda reflects on her journey, the lessons learned, the people who shaped her path, and her vision for the future. It’s a celebration of success, leadership, and the power of starting anew—on your own terms. Be inspired with AngelShack.

1. Linda, take us back to that day at Lake Como. What was the spark that led to the idea of launching AngelShack?

We started as the largest importer of office furniture in the country.
But we kept asking the same question: Why did the biggest, most high-profile projects always choose imported furniture? The answer was clear.
There simply wasn’t a local solution that offered cutting-edge design and world-class quality. So, we decided to change that.

2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in bringing fully locally produced office furniture to life in South Africa—and how did you overcome them?

Challenges were never part of our vocabulary. Nothing ever felt too big, too bold, or too far out of reach.

AngelShack was born from that spirit. It wasn’t just a business idea—it was a passion project. A belief that South Africa could produce office furniture that rivaled the best in the world, with design at its core.

We discovered that for every desk we produced in our factory, we created two days of employment—a small number with a massive ripple effect.
Over the years, we built more than just furniture. We built a team. A group of extraordinary people who believed in our dream just as much as we did. Together, we turned AngelShack into a symbol of what’s possible when vision meets purpose.

3. You speak of this journey as being deeply personal. What has shaped your leadership style over the past 21 years?

Leadership, to us, was never about one person. It was about being surrounded by a strong, accountable, and inspired team—people who believed that anything was possible.
We didn’t want followers. We wanted game changers.

I was incredibly fortunate to be mentored and guided by one of the most profound leaders of our time—Brian Klass. Brian had a rare gift: the ability to step back and see the bigger picture, while always keeping his finger firmly on the pulse. He was deeply innovative, relentlessly curious, and endlessly inspiring. His leadership shaped not just our business, but our values, our culture, and the way we continue to see the world today.

4. What did your mentor, Brian Klass, teach you that still influences how you run your businesses today?

If you treat people well, you bring out the best in them. They want to be a part of your team—be it suppliers, clients, or the team. It’s contagious. They all form a part of your brand.

5. Now that you’ve fully acquired AngelShack, Klassworks, and Inspiration Office—how does it feel to stand at this new beginning with full ownership?

Losing Brian was a profound loss—for me personally, and for our entire team. He was more than a business partner. He was a mentor, a visionary, and the steady compass that guided so much of what we built.

Every now and then, I’d ask him what I should do if he ever chose to retire. His answer was always the same, always simple: “You acquire AngelShack and keep it on its growth trajectory.”

Those words stayed with me. And when the time came, I knew exactly what needed to be done. Not just to honour his vision, but to carry forward the purpose we started together—with the same passion, courage, and relentless pursuit of possibility.

6. AngelShack was a dream turned into reality. What dreams are you pursuing now with this next chapter?

About seven years ago, we launched our first chairs into the market—a pivotal moment for AngelShack. Chairs were the most ambitious and innovative part of our dream.
What many don’t realise is just how complex it is to tool up and manufacture a chair. It’s a feat no one had attempted locally.

But we did.

Just over a year ago, we proudly introduced Africa’s first carbon-conscious chair. Not long after, we launched South Africa’s first locally manufactured, acoustically rated phone booth—a product that redefined workplace privacy and performance.

And this is just the beginning.

The next chapter is already in motion:
To keep innovating.
To keep launching award-winning, forward-thinking products.
And above all, to keep changing the game—for the industry, for our country, and for every workspace we help transform.

7. How do you balance innovation with legacy—especially when steering brands that you helped create?

Legacy, for me, is synonymous with quality and brand. It’s not just about what you leave behind—it’s about the standard you set, the values you uphold, and the impact you make.

Legacy means being relentlessly innovative, consistently ahead of the game, and never compromising on what matters most: Excellence. Integrity. Vision.

That’s the AngelShack way.
That’s my legacy. A team who love what they do.

8. What role do women entrepreneurs play in shaping the design and manufacturing industries in South Africa today—and what advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Women entrepreneurs have long shaped the design landscape in South Africa.
Pioneers like Isla Galloway led the way in the office furniture market, making a lasting mark and proving that women can lead with strength, vision, and impact in the workspace environment.

As a woman in business, I’ve learned that true leadership isn’t about position—it’s about how you treat people.
My best advice to any leader?
Treat others the way you’d want to be treated.
No task is ever too hard, and nothing is truly impossible.
Set your mind to it—and you will succeed.

9. How do you envision the future of workspaces in South Africa, and how are your brands adapting to that future?

South Africa is on par with Europe when it comes to workspace design. Our influences align more with European design thinking—prioritising sustainability, ease of access, and affordability—rather than the American workspace model.

The office, despite all predictions, has stood the test of time. Even with the global shift toward remote work, the need for a physical, purpose-driven workspace remains essential.
People still want to connect, collaborate, and create in environments that are well-designed and human-focused.

The future of work isn’t about choosing between home and office—it’s about designing spaces that make people want to show up.

10. What does “success” look like to you now compared to when you started this journey 21 years ago?

When I began my journey in workspace design 21 years ago, I had no idea a world existed where you could genuinely influence someone’s day—just by how they sat, moved, or connected with others at work.

I didn’t know that design could shape mood, mindset, and motivation. That the right environment could make Monday feel a little less like Monday. Or that I’d one day be part of something that helped people feel good about coming to work again.

That’s the magic of great design—it’s never just about the furniture. It’s about how people live and work within it.

Contact: AngelShack.

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