As we move through Women’s Month this August, we’re celebrating South African women who are leading with purpose, creativity, and an unshakable belief in doing business differently. These five founders are not only building brands, they’re building movements in wellness, fashion, clean beauty, and family-first food.
What sets them apart? A deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation while staying proudly local. From solar-powered snack production to science-backed wellness solutions and artisan-made accessories, these women are rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship in their own bold, beautiful ways.
Whether you’re a wellness warrior, clean beauty devotee, or simply love a story about fierce female leadership, meet the women redefining success on their own terms.
Nadia Moolman – Founder of Nanuki Foods
Allergy-friendly snacks with soul and science. Based in Cape Town, Nadia Moolman is the trailblazing force behind Nanuki, a proudly South African brand offering allergy-friendly snacks made with clean, organic ingredients. What began as a solution to her child’s food sensitivities has evolved into a thriving, solar-powered production hub offering everything from plant-based snack bars to decadent allergen-free chocolate. Nadia is now expanding the brand into pantry staples and a kids’ range, continuing her mission to make nutrition inclusive, delicious, and accessible. At the heart of Nanuki is her unwavering commitment to clean food, conscious living, and family well-being.
Lize du Preez – Founder of LMC (Lize Mouton Collection)
A modern love letter to rooibos tea and South African heritage. With a vision to elevate a South African staple, Lize du Preez founded LMC—an elegant, locally crafted rooibos tea collection that celebrates wellness and tradition in equal measure. What sets LMC apart is its blend of bold botanical flavours, sustainable packaging, and a deep respect for the land it comes from. Every tea bag is a sensory experience rooted in care and culture. Lize’s work as a creative director, entrepreneur, and storyteller shines through every detail from the stunning design to the conscious sourcing of ingredients. LMC isn’t just tea; it’s a ritual of connection and celebration.
Carla Ashton – Founder of Thandana Bags
Durban-crafted leather goods that honour craftsmanship and community. Carla Ashton’s Thandana Bags is more than a lifestyle brand—it’s a celebration of South African craftsmanship. Based in Durban, Thandana produces beautifully designed laminated and genuine leather bags, accessories, and travel essentials, made by a team of 60 local artisans. Known for their bold prints, meticulous attention to detail, and durable elegance, Thandana pieces are both timeless and deeply rooted in their place of origin. For Carla, it’s about more than design—it's about job creation, skills development, and making quality local products a global standard.
Vanessa Mhlom – Founder of Pleroma Patch
Next-gen wellness with South Africa’s first premium vitamin patches. Vanessa Mhlom is on a mission to redefine modern wellness with Pleroma Patch—one of the first premium transdermal vitamin patch brands in South Africa. Created for women navigating life’s cycles, Pleroma’s offerings include Sleep, Period, and Recovery Patches, each infused with clean, clinically studied ingredients. Vanessa’s approach blends science with self-care, providing a mess-free, effective alternative to traditional supplements. Her innovation is changing the conversation around health—from reactive to proactive, from complicated to intuitive.
Nicole Sherwin – Founder of Eco Diva Natural
Plant-based skincare that heals from the inside out. Nicole Sherwin’s journey to founding Eco Diva Natural began with her own personal health and skin struggles. Today, her award-winning skincare line is a trusted favourite for those seeking clean, plant-powered beauty that works. Each product is formulated with gut health, stress resilience, and hormonal balance in mind—resulting in skincare that’s both effective and deeply nurturing. Nicole’s background in wellness media and her passion for education make her a leading voice in conscious beauty. More than just products, Eco Diva is a lifestyle movement promoting balance, self-love, and healing from within.
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