#WIB - Q&A With Michelle & Lee-Ann Owners Of Woven Bark Studios

1. Can you please tell us more about your business?

Woven Bark Studios (WB) is not just a gifting business; we are curators of lasting connections, cultivators of empowerment, and ambassadors of culture. With a mission to redefine corporate experiences, Woven Bark Studios believes in conscious-connected gifting that builds relationships and lingers long after the event is over. We are proudly women-led, dedicated to women’s empowerment, and committed to supporting local businesses and artisans.

We believe that in a world filled with material possessions, experiences are the true currency of happiness. We’re on a journey to curate memorable encounters that go beyond traditional gifts, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of both recipients and givers.

Our team of experience-curators scour the country to discover unique and unforgettable local talent; people we can seamlessly collaborate with to build exclusively designed adventures, workshops, tastings and more. From exclusive wining and dining experiences to thrilling outdoor escapades, from thought-provoking workshops to wellness retreats, every WB gift experience is intended to be a world-class occasion, crafted to inspire and enthuse, and to build bonds; to ignite joy, spark curiosity, and leave an imprint (and a selfie) on the lives of others.

2. When, how and why did you start your business?

We started Woven Bark in 2005, and quickly became corporate South Africa’s go-to for gifting. In 2018, we stopped being crazy about boxed gifts and started obsessing over human connection instead. This led us on a new mission: to swap out the material for the meaningful and to replace the giveaway with a slice of inspired living. We wanted to take corporate gifting to the next level and make it about personalisation, customisation, and genuine relationships. And our clients love it!

Curating signature experiences with care and love by business partners Michelle and Lee-Ann is the hallmark of Woven Bark. Today, Woven Bark is the public’s first choice in experience gifting – no presents, only presence.

3. What is your role in the business?

Michelle Smith – Founder

With her longstanding passion and understanding of people, Woven Bark Studios was born from Michelle’s desire to inspire human connection through elevated gifting solutions for her corporate clients. Michelle’s entrepreneurial drive has sustained her business through her belief that people and relationships are the cornerstones of every business. She’s navigated through many changes in landscapes, adding resilience as a key quality to the Woven Bark ensemble.

Michelle’s commitment to sourcing the very best quality products and service providers, coupled with an incomparable ability to interpret clients’ needs and create exceptional gifting experiences, is the secret sauce to Woven Bark’s success. With her desire to build trust and genuine relationships, Michelle uses her love for meaningful connection, and her keen eye for intricate detail, to deliver beyond the scope.

Lee-Ann Hendry – Operations Director

Lee-Ann is the driving force behind Woven Bark’s unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality service. With a rich history in South African real estate, Lee-Ann’s passion lies in surpassing customer expectations. Her role is not just about financial management, but about ensuring that every Woven Bark project becomes an exceptional experience for our clients.

Lee-Ann works closely with clients, diving deep into their unique needs and desires. Her dedication is to ensure that their expectations are consistently exceeded. Her primary focus is on keeping clients at the centre of every decision and every detail. In her capable hands, you can trust that your project with Woven Bark will be nothing short of exceptional.

4. Where did you study, and what did you study?

Michelle studied interior design and worked in retail.

Lee-Ann has a background in real estate and hospitality, with an NQF4 Real Estate, NQF5 Real Estate, CEAB, Certificate in Sectional Title Management, and Diploma in Hotel Management (AHMA).

5. How did you finance your business?

We financed Woven Bark Studios through a combination of opportunities from Michelle’s extensive networks and reinvesting profits back into the business.

6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.

There is no typical day. The day begins with a good cup of coffee, setting the tone for what could only be described as organised chaos. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities, keeping us on our toes. This dynamic environment fuels our creativity and passion for what we do.

7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?

Balancing home life and work life as women in business is all about the art of juggling and making it happen. We understand the importance of maintaining focus while also carving out quality time for our families and personal pursuits. This often involves creating extensive to-do lists and prioritising tasks based on their importance.

For Michelle, balance means juggling the demands of raising teenagers. Despite the challenges, she finds joy in the experience, which she believes keeps her youthful and energised.

Lee-Ann’s family dynamic includes her beloved dogs and the added joy of being a grandmother. Lee-Ann also prioritises travel and cherishes moments spent with her old school friends.

Ultimately, for both of us, it’s about finding that delicate balance between professional responsibilities and personal fulfilment and embracing the various roles that make up our lives. It’s about ensuring that our families and personal interests are not overshadowed by our business endeavours but rather complement and enrich our overall life experience.

8. What drives you and inspires you?

We are driven by our dedication to exceptional customer service and our commitment to creating memorable experiences. We’re target-driven and customer-centric, with a keen attention to detail. Our inspiration comes from the desire to provide the best possible service and ensure that every client has a remarkable experience with Woven Bark Studios.

9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?

Early mornings (generally accompanied by a cup of coffee) are prime times for us to generate our best ideas. In the afternoon, we rely on a refreshing freezo to boost creativity. Our minds are constantly active, connecting and sourcing new concepts to enhance the experiences we offer.

10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?

We primarily leverage our extensive network connections, linking up for coffee meetings and using platforms like LinkedIn for marketing and networking. We also benefit from word-of-mouth referrals from our satisfied clients, who enthusiastically share their positive experiences with others.

11. What is next for your business?

Our new Route to Recognition programme is a transformative 12-month package designed to build team camaraderie, cultural solidarity and individual motivation.

We understand the power of a thoughtful gesture, a carefully chosen gift, and the magic that happens when creativity and personalisation converge. We’ve crafted our brand on the purpose pillars of innovation, exclusivity, and exceptional service – and, through our Route to Recognition, we strive to redefine how your business expresses gratitude, shows appreciation, and celebrates milestones.

Employee recognition is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous journey towards a thriving, motivated workforce. While a single gesture of appreciation can certainly uplift spirits, regular nurturing, in the form of genuine gratitude, cultivates a sense of purpose and belonging. It reinforces positive behaviours, encourages consistent high performance, and strengthens the bond between employees and the organisation.

The Route to Recognition makes appreciation an integral part of your organisational fabric, boosting morale and creating an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and appreciated. This sense of belonging fuels a positive feedback loop – as employees feel valued, they are more likely to invest even more in their work.

12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?

We would offer this advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs: Never take ‘no’ as the final answer. Stay connected within your industry and actively network. Don’t hesitate to outsource tasks that may not be in your expertise, and seek advice when needed. This collaborative approach can be a key factor in the success of your budding business.

About Woven Bark Studios

In 2005 we started Woven Bark – and quickly became corporate South Africa’s go-to for gifting. In 2018 we stopped being crazy about boxed gifts and started obsessing about human connection instead. This led us on a new mission: to swap out the material for the meaningful and to replace the giveaway with a slice of inspired living. And our clients love it!

Curating signature experiences with care and love by business partners Michelle and Lee-Ann (that’s us), is the hallmark of Woven Bark. Today, Woven Bark is the public’s first choice in experience gifting – no presents, only presence.