There are moments in life when the familiar fades away, and you find yourself standing at the edge of something new—exciting yet unknown. After spending so many beautiful years here in Australia, my family and I are preparing to embark on such a journey, one that will lead us back to our roots in South Africa.
And while the excitement of expanding to South Africa fills me with joy, there’s no denying that the bittersweet moments are real. Leaving behind the relationships, the experiences, and the familiarity we’ve cultivated here is a little tough on the heart.
This decision was not made lightly. Australia has been more than just a place to live; it’s been a home where we’ve built Sanctuary Ekhaya and Sanctuary Table from the ground up. It's where we’ve had the privilege to create spaces and food for incredible clients, and where we’ve experienced growth, joy, and creative fulfillment.
Embracing New Adventures
Starting again can be exhilarating. It’s a chance to breathe new life into old dreams, to expand the horizons of your imagination, and to invite fresh energy into your creative work. The move to Johannesburg means that Sanctuary Ekhaya and Sanctuary Table will have a new home base in a city known for its dynamic culture, resilience, and growing design scene. This brings incredible potential for growth—not just for me personally but for our business too.
But beyond professional growth, this journey is opening up exciting possibilities for our family as well. As a mother, one of the most beautiful aspects of this move has been envisioning how it will positively impact my children. Relocating offers them a broader view of the world—a new culture to explore, new friends to meet, and the opportunity to reconnect with their Zulu heritage in South Africa. It’s been amazing to see their curiosity spark as they learn about where they come from and the vibrant community they’ll soon be part of.
Moving to a new country also strengthens family bonds. We’re navigating this change together, finding comfort in one another as we say goodbye to the familiar and step into the unknown. This shared experience is teaching my children (and reminding me) the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the adventure that comes with embracing new beginnings. It’s a powerful lesson in how change, while sometimes challenging, can bring about incredible personal growth.
We’re expanding our offerings, reaching new clients, and embracing the chance to be part of South Africa’s design future. This feels like the start of something amazing, not just for me as a designer but for our whole family. The children are excited about exploring new environments, and they are just as much a part of this creative journey as I am.
Navigating Challenges Together
While the highs of this journey are motivating, the lows are real too. Starting again means leaving behind something you’ve poured your heart into. There’s a sadness in closing this chapter of our lives in Australia, a place that has been so generous to us both personally and professionally. Every new beginning comes with some degree of loss—the clients we’ve grown to love, the community that has embraced us, and the comfort of familiarity.
As parents, we’ve also faced the inevitable emotional waves that come with uprooting our children from the only home they’ve ever known. While they’re excited about what’s next, there have been moments of uncertainty, especially when saying goodbye to friends and familiar places. But watching them grow through this process has been a reminder that children are far more resilient than we often give them credit for. The experience of adapting to change will be invaluable as they move through life, teaching them the strength in flexibility and the joy that can come from new experiences.
I won’t lie—there are moments of doubt, when the thought of navigating a new market, settling into a new city, and starting over feels overwhelming. Johannesburg, though close to my heart, comes with its own challenges. The South African design industry is competitive, and I’m a newcomer in many ways.
Every new beginning requires bravery, and I’m ready to meet this next chapter with courage, determination, and faith.
Sharing Our Story
One thing I’ve realized is that I’m not alone in this. Many of you, whether you’ve relocated, changed careers, or taken on new personal challenges, know what it’s like to start over. And that’s why I’ve decided to document this move—not just for myself, but for anyone who may find inspiration or comfort in knowing that the journey of starting again is filled with both highs and lows. I’ll be sharing tips, tricks, and personal stories about relocating, adjusting to a new market, and how to embrace change with open arms.
As a family, we’re also learning how to make the most of this transition—how to find joy in the small moments of discovery and how to keep supporting each other through the more difficult days. If this resonates with anyone navigating their own transitions, I hope our story can serve as a source of inspiration or comfort.
Looking Forward With Gratitude
As we move into this exciting new chapter, I’m filled with gratitude for everything that Australia has given us—the memories, the clients, the opportunities, and the friendships. And as we step into our new adventure in South Africa, I carry with me all that we’ve built here, knowing that the journey ahead is just the next step in this incredible story.
For our South African audience, we’re thrilled to soon call Johannesburg home! We’re ready to bring Sanctuary Ekhaya’s design philosophy to new spaces, to create homes that reflect beauty, comfort, and individuality. If you’re ready to begin your design journey with us, visit our website to secure your spot and explore what’s possible.
Thank you to each and every one of you for being part of this journey—whether from afar or up close. We’re excited for what’s to come, and we hope you’ll join us on this adventure.
With warmth and gratitude. Peace and love eFamily.
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