Business
This is episode #4 where I am joined by furniture and product designer Thabisa Mjo. ABOUT THABISA: Thabisa is the designer, behind Mash.T an award-winning Johannesburg based design studio that is contributing to the continuing evolution of a home-grown contemporary South African design aesthetic. We talk about: The reasons for working for herself The challenges is access to market Appreciating the value of social capital The importance of having systems in place to stop you working harder than is actually necessary Not letting failure stop her Being aware of the privilege of being able to have her own business and the responsibilities that come with this Breaking through the barrier of gatekeeping - The challenges of overcoming a system that is designed to keep people out How she did not come to design the traditional way Taking the initiative to go out there and ask for work, for the opportunities The importance of doing your research Having confidence, determination and self-belief Respecting the deep roots of generational knowhow and the people you work with Changing the way people think about African design Links and resources mentioned in this episode Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs - https://www.thoughtco.com/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4582571 Sketchup - https://www.sketchup.com Oprah Magazine South Africa - now closed Estee Lauder South Africa - https://www.esteelauder.co.za Veuve Clicquot South Africa - https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-gb Tracy Lynch - https://www.leelynch.co.za Nando’s Hot Young Designer - http://hotyoungdesigner.co.za Louise Mcann - http://thecontentstudio.co.za/ Chandelle Lighting - http://www.chandelle-lighting.co.za Where you can go to find out more about Thabisa and Mash T: @mashtdesignstudio - https://www.instagram.com/mashtdesignstudio/?hl=en Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55 Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelierfiftyfive/ Instagram: @atelier55design Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/atelier55design/