As part of their latest campaign spotlighting the brand’s specialist Professional Collection, BIRKENSTOCK is celebrating South African industry professionals whose work demands both creativity and endurance. The docuseries centres on freestyle hairstylist Marchay Linderoth, whose career offers a compelling lens through which to explore the often-overlooked importance of specialist footwear in physically demanding creative roles.
Featured wearing the BIRKENSTOCK Boston Supergrip in white, Marchay seamlessly merges artistic vision with technical precision — a combination that has made her a sought-after name within Cape Town’s creative scene. Her work spans local and international brands, celebrity clients, editorial shoots, music videos, bespoke styling and the runway, including collaborations with independent international designer Grete Henriette.
With clients typically booked back-to-back and up to eight hours spent on her feet each day, footwear is as essential to Marchay’s work as her scissors and hairdryer. In this exclusive, she shares what a day in her world looks like — and why investing in the right footwear has become non-negotiable.
Walk us through a typical working day.
My days usually begin between 9 and 10am, with clients booked back-to-back on the hour. More often than not, that means working straight through without a proper lunch break. I spend an average of seven to eight hours on my feet each day, which inevitably takes a toll on my posture and back over time.
How has the physical demand of your work impacted your health?
The long hours have definitely had an impact. Over the years, I’ve developed plantar fasciitis from wearing unsuitable shoes, along with mild carpal tunnel syndrome. My legs often feel heavy and fatigued, with my back, posture and the balls of my feet being the most affected areas.
Why is footwear such a crucial part of your daily uniform?
Footwear plays a vital role in keeping me comfortable and productive. Proper shoes offer the right arch support, cushioning and slip resistance — all essential in my line of work. For a long time, I wore shoes that simply weren’t designed for hours on my feet, and I began to feel it in the form of lower back pain and sharp heel discomfort. Today, footwear is as important to me as my scissors or hairdryer. Without the right support, I wouldn’t be able to perform at my best. Shoes also protect my feet from hair splinters and chemicals, which is something people often overlook. On long days, I always reach for my BIRKENSTOCKs — they give me the support I rely on.
In a role that’s physically demanding, how do you maintain your energy levels?
Staying hydrated is key, so I drink plenty of water throughout the day. But honestly, it’s my clients who keep me energised. Their trust, conversations and excitement fuel my creativity and remind me why I love what I do.
What do you love most about your job?
Where do I begin? Over the past 15 years, there have been so many meaningful moments. My favourite part is seeing how a transformation can make someone feel confident, beautiful and truly seen. That emotional shift — that boost in self-belief — is the reason I keep showing up.
When did you first realise hairstyling was more than just a hobby?
Long before I considered it a career, I was already experimenting with scissors, colour and creativity. In high school, I was the friend doing everyone’s hair for events, dyeing strands with henna or cutting fringes in the bathroom between classes. At the time, I didn’t realise it, but those moments were early signs of a genuine passion. In 2010, I decided to pursue hairstyling seriously and enrolled in a three-year course. After graduating, I went straight into salon life and began building my career.
Where are you currently based, and how has your journey shaped your work?
I’m currently based at KITSUNE HAIR in Cape Town — a creative hub and salon I absolutely love — where I work as a freelance hairstylist. Before going independent, I gained invaluable experience at two of the city’s top salons, both of which played a key role in shaping the stylist I am today.
Looking back, what stands out as your proudest achievement?
It’s difficult to pinpoint just one, because I pour my heart into everything I do. Over the years, I’ve worked with both local and international brands, and recently collaborated with independent designer Grete Henriette on her latest collection. That said, some of my proudest moments are simply being in rooms filled with creatives I admire — people who trust my vision and allow me to do what I love. Helping others feel confident through my craft is something I get to do every day, and that in itself feels like a huge achievement.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Prioritise proper attire — especially footwear. Do your research, listen to your body and be gentle with yourself. You don’t have to take on everything at once. Your body has limits, and respecting them is essential for longevity.
Designed and certified to maintain professional safety standards, the Professional Collection features iconic BIRKENSTOCK silhouettes including the Boston and the Birki. The footwear is re-tooled to cater for the likes of chefs, medical practitioners, hairstylists and other hard-working professionals who spend most of their long exhausting shifts on their feet. Meeting the need for a combination of durability and safety, without sacrificing style or compromising on the anatomic support provided by the BIRKENSTOCK footbed.
Rooted in tradition, yet ever-evolving, BIRKENSTOCK remains as culturally relevant today as it has been throughout its history. Follow @birkenstockza and shop the Professional range at www.bashafrica.com.
