LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Mash. T Design Studio, creating a contemporary craft-driven aesthetic for Africa
Thabisa Mjo is the founder and owner of Mash. T Design Studio in South Africa, a furniture and design studio with the main focus and philosophy to tell uniquely South African stories using the medium of design.
Lionesses of Africa found out more from founder Thabisa this month about her business and her incredible entrepreneurial journey to date.
In her attempt to gain access into the niche interior design market, Thabisa entered the 2015 Nando’s Hot Young Designer competition. Nando’s was looking for emerging creatives to design pendant lights. The winning light/s would be installed in Nando’s restaurants locally and internationally.
Thabisa says, “I had never designed anything before, but as a small business owner, I had learnt the importance of pivoting, the value of never second guessing yourself, and just going for it.”
Thabisa designed the now, winning, Tutu 2.0 light, which was inspired by xibelani skirts worn by Xitsonga women. She says, “When I first saw xibelani skirts, they reminded me of African tutus, hence the name Tutu 2.0. This light is now installed in restaurants all over the world, from Cape Town to Malaysia, Washington to London.”
In 2019, Thabisa was awarded South African Designer of the Year at the 100% Design SA.
About Mash. T Design Studio
Mash. T Design Studio is a South African furniture and design studio founded by Thabisa Mjo, with the main focus and philosophy to tell uniquely South African stories using the medium of design.
The Studio’s mission is focused on creating sustainable, economic opportunities for African creative makers through collaborative product design.
Mash. T Design Studio has showcased globally at exhibitions such as Milan Design Week 2019, 100% Design UK, and currently has products represented at the Bonne Esperance Gallery in Paris.
The Studio is leading the charge to create a contemporary craft-driven aesthetic for Africa and by doing so has collaborated with craft makers such as the world renowned master weaver, Beauty Ngxongo, Qaqambile Bead Studio - a South African fine art beading studio, and multi-award winning furniture brand Houtlander.
Read more about Thabisa Mjo and Mash. T Design Studio on Lionesses of Africa:
Contact or follow Mash T. Design Studio
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL thabisa@mashtdesignstudio.com
