I’m Nicolette.  Mother of two, wife of one.  I live on a small farm near Thabazimbi which means a wonderful way of life, but it’s not exactly at the forefront of the design world.  And this is where this website comes in.

If you are a South African and as passionate as I am about this country and what is happening around us right now, then Touch-it is just for you. Even if you are abroad! If you are a designer or producer of handmade products of world class quality, or a business owner that does your best to improve not only your own, but other lives as well, then this is about you.

Exciting things are happening in these tough times.  People are now buying quality instead of quantity.  They want to know that the products they buy has had a positive impact on a social, economical and environmental level.  They want to be touched by things, and they want to know the story behind it.  Hence the name of the website “Touch-It” and the slogan “stuff with stories”.

I want to tell you about all the people, products and places that inspire me and makes me proud to be a South African.

Touch-it will regularly bring you the stories behind selected products and the talented people creating it under “featured stories”. Why tell these stories?  Well, I want to make people aware of South African design.  That it is creative and innovative but most of all, IT NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!!

In the shop section you will find some of the products that I talk about on the website.  These are all products that speak to me and in the same way that I can’t help but reach out and touch something that reflects the character of its maker, I hope you will also be touched by these special things.

There is a misconception that South African design is either about roadside curios or exclusive high design, so people settle for imported products because of price, availability and being uninformed.  I want to challenge that misconception and show that good South African design can be approachable, available and also cost effective.

Please get in touch if you know of something, someone or someplace that needs to be talked about, or just to comment on anything from the products to the website.

Laastens, aan al julle Afrikaanses – Praat met my!!

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