About The Handmade Story

The Handmade Story began in a small workshop in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, shaped by the heart and vision of Merewyn de Heer.

She noticed how many women around her were carrying the weight of HIV and AIDS ,not only those diagnosed, but also those whose families and futures had been deeply affected. She wanted to create something that could genuinely help. Something real. Something lasting.

So, she started a workshop that gave these women steady work, a safe space, and a way to rebuild confidence through creativity. In the beginning, the focus was on women living with

HIV and AIDS. But very quickly, it became clear that the impact reached much further. Many women were supporting sick partners, raising children alone, or navigating loss , even though they didn’t have the illness themselves. Merewyn opened the doors wider, giving them the same chance to learn, to earn, and to be part of something hopeful. That spirit, grounded, caring, quietly powerful, still runs through every part of the brand. What started as a small, humble idea soon grew into a studio known for warmth, texture, and beautifully handmade pieces. Our team’s skills deepened, the designs evolved, and the work began to attract attention from both local and international clients.

Over the years, The Handmade Story has supplied to a wonderful range of brands, including Klaylife, Restoration Hardware, Sarza, Arhaus plus many boutique stores, interior designers, and independent studios across the world! One of our lights can be seen in the home of McDreamy himself 😍! Each collaboration has allowed the work of our South African makers to reach new places, from cosy homes to luxury spaces, from small shops to global retailers.

The latest milestone is us opening of our new showroom at The Palms Décor and Lifestyle Centre in Woodstock! This space is warm, relaxed, and full of the textures and stories that make our brand what it is. It’s a place where customers can take their time, feel the materials, explore the collections, and experience the heart of the brand in a more personal way. And even though the showroom is in Cape Town, every piece is still lovingly made back in our Nottingham Road workshop, where our same group of skilled women continues to craft each item by hand and with an unmistakable sense of pride.

Today, The Handmade Story is still evolving, but the mission remains beautifully simple: to create meaningful handmade pieces while giving women the chance to support themselves, grow their skills, and shape a future filled with possibility, just as Merewyn hoped from the very beginning.