Originally from Belgium, Isabelle Dechamps has called South Africa – more specifically Paarl in the Western Cape – home for the past 20 years. But as the founder and director of a travel company, she was hit hard by Covid-19. “Not knowing when things would return to normal was overwhelming,” she admits.
“But on a positive note, I got to stop and smell the roses. I think many of us initially really enjoyed taking it slow and spending quality time with our loved ones. Lounging on the couch and scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon some amazing artists in the Paarl area and decided to do more research. Before long I was discovering one incredible talent after another. I couldn’t wait to share my finds with the world.” Cue a slightly different, mindful way of online shopping, aka MADE IN PAARL.
Based on three pillars, MADE IN PAARL creates a market space in supporting the people of the Paarl Valley, showcasing the Cape Winelands’ creative talent and – although MADE IN PAARL is not a non-profit organisation – striving to be a business with a rippling social impact. As a proud supporter of the Fair Trade City of Drakenstein campaign, MADE IN PAARL also encourages sustainability and fair-trade practices. For those itching to get shopping, the online shop boasts home decor, furniture, office accessories, kitchenware, condiments, fashion, jewellery, body and beauty products, goodies for kids and babies, and much more.