Event artwork. The inaugural Live Beautifully Home Expo will take place on 10 and 11 October 2026 at the Boardwalk Hotel & Conference Centre's Exhibition Area in Gqeberha. As the first dedicated Home Expo to be held in the Metro in approximately seven years, the event is expected to attract homeowners, renovators, decorators, property investors, and anyone looking for inspiration, products, and services to enhance their living spaces. The organizers are inviting businesses fr

Image supplied. Retirement planning is often seen as a numbers game, but the truth is that it begins long before calculators, spreadsheets and investment projections enter the conversation. At its core, retirement planning combines vision, mathematics, realism, honesty and a trusted relationship with a financial adviser. Before you sit down to discuss your retirement strategy, it is worth asking yourself an important question: What does your ideal retirement look like? Whethe

Images supplied. Believe me when I say, there are destinations you visit, and then there are places that quietly leave an imprint on you long after you have driven away. Mansfield Private Reserve is exactly that kind of experience. The drive towards the reserve already feels like the beginning of something special. As the noise of town slowly disappears in your rearview mirror and the Eastern Cape bushveld begins to unfold around you, there is an unmistakable sense that you

On image: Khanyisa Xola, founder of Noir Beaute. Yes, in every city there are businesses that simply offer a service, and then there are brands that become part of the culture of the communities around them. In Gqeberha, Noir Beaute has quietly become one of those names. Over the past decade, the beauty brand founded by Khanyisa Xola has grown from a small side hustle into a respected beauty destination that continues to empower women, create opportunities, and inspire a new

On image: Founder and CEO of KellyGirl Skills Academy, Kelly Damons. There is always something powerful about people who choose to build opportunities where others only see challenges. In many communities across South Africa, young people are filled with potential but often lack access to guidance, practical skills and spaces that can help turn their talents into income and sustainable careers. That is why institutions focused on empowerment and development continue to play s

Image supplied. If you did not know, now you will know, that there are catering companies, and then there are institutions. The kind that quietly become part of the national fabric without needing to scream for attention. In Mzansi, where conversations are settled over smoke, fire and a paper plate balanced on one hand, Nyama Catering has mastered something far more difficult than feeding people at scale. They’ve mastered familiarity. The feeling of arriving at an event and k

On image: Anele Mni, Wellness Partner at Wisani Day Spa. Tucked away within the serene surroundings of Hoyo Hoyo Chartwell Lodge in Fourways, Johannesburg, Wisani Spa is redefining what it means to truly rest, restore, and reconnect. More than a spa destination, Wisani Spa offers a deeply intentional wellness experience rooted in African healing traditions, holistic therapies, and the belief that true beauty begins within. From the moment guests arrive, the atmosphere invites

On image: Siyabonga Williams, founder of Phactory memories. For some of us, it has been a privilege to be in front the lens while Siyabonga Williams directs and captures unforgettable moments in our lives. Today, we are once again privileged to bring him to the forefront and hear firsthand what it takes to build such a professional photography business, one that has become the go-to brand for students celebrating graduations, friends capturing birthday memories, and couples p

On image: L – R: Faizal Sallie (Powerphase Engineering), Martina Biene (VWGA Chairperson and Managing Director), Pumza Gwabeni (Nhaka The Legacy Group), Allon Raiz (CEO of Raizcorp). Kariega, Eastern Cape – With the vision of shaping a centre of excellence for Eastern Cape entrepreneurs, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) and Raizcorp joined hands in April 2011 to establish the Volkswagen Business Support Centre in Kariega. In the 15 years since, the centre has incubated 178 en

Image supplied. As I was spending time on the internet the other day, I couldn’t just scroll past this clean and interesting coffee brand with a great story. I immediately thought our readers should definitely know about Bluebird Coffee Roastery and whoever is behind the brand. I reached out, and in an industry often defined by ritual and refinement, few stories feel as refreshingly honest as that of Bluebird Coffee Roastery. At the centre of it is founder Dario Scilipoti,

On image: CEO and founder of Bro, Persy Qamata. We all know in every industry that has reached a level of comfort, disruption is not just inevitable, it is necessary. Systems that remain unchanged for too long begin to serve themselves instead of the people they were designed for. South Africa’s e-hailing space is no exception. For years, commuters and drivers alike have navigated a system that works, but not always fairly, not always safely, and not always with the local con

On image: From left, Amy-Skye-Lee and Kyle. If you didn’t know – now you do. Where food products are often consumed without much thought for origin or process, few brands invite you to slow down and truly understand what you are tasting. Swarm & Co is one of those rare exceptions. Built not only around honey, but around curiosity, education, and conservation, the brand is reshaping how people perceive one of nature’s most familiar foods.

On image: Founder and Architect of Ogle It, Maritza Basson. Entrepreneurs are always up looking for ways to close gaps in existing platforms and systems because they have the view and understanding of what solutions our current times requires. And now, we hear from the woman behind Ogle It and the solution she started to make sure that they do not just collect and share data with consumers and businesses, but that verified data becomes the real value through her platform. Let

Images supplied. Gqeberha, Eastern Cape - Gqeberha's hospitality scene is transforming. Brimming with ambition, the city is beginning to claim its place as one of the nation’s must-see destinations. At the centre of this transformation is The Capital Boardwalk, the city's first aparthotel, conferencing venue and all-round entertainment complex. Bringing with it a world-class in-house restaurant, 145 hotel rooms and apartments, effortless access to The Boardwalk casino, beach

On image: Chef Richard Carstens. Franschhoek, South Africa - Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Franschhoek Valley, La Petite Ferme has long been celebrated as one of South Africa’s most iconic wine estate destinations. Now, the estate enters an exciting new era with the appointment of one of the country’s most respected culinary figures, Richard Carstens, as its new Head Chef. Having joined the team in March 2026, Carstens brings with him a wealth of experience,

Images supplied. Let's look at what's on the other side of Kromrivier, near Addo and Paterson, where a hidden gem has become a sanctuary for love, celebration, and connection. Wild Olive Sanctuary, founded by Esias and Priscilla Koen, is more than a wedding and events venue, it’s a labour of love born from their connection to the land and a desire to create unforgettable experiences. Just an hour from Port Elizabeth, this tranquil escape offers sweeping views, peaceful surrou

On image: Founders of What’s That Fragrance (WTF!), Catherine Thompson and Jenny Arthur. Five years ago, we introduced our readers to a small but ambitious fragrance brand founded by two Johannesburg cousins with a simple but powerful idea, to create beautiful scents that people could afford and enjoy every day. Today, What’s That Fragrance (WTF!), founded by Catherine Thompson and Jenny Arthur, continues to grow while staying true to the spirit that first inspired the busine

Images supplied. Partnerships and collaborations have always been the backbone of great ideas turning into reality. In many cases, the strongest partnerships are built on trust, shared experiences, and a common vision. This is exactly the story behind Duish Corner, a business born from the friendship of two young entrepreneurs determined to make a difference in their community. Founded by Bonke Monono and Nkosinathi Sikoti, Duish Corner is more than just a clothing store, it

Image supplied. From where I come from, nothing beats leadership that recognises and values the impact employees make in delivering quality work, especially when that work serves communities. Tangible embodies this kind of leadership culture. It is an organisation that nurtures talent, acknowledges dedication and empowers its team members to thrive. As a result, it continues to produce remarkable individuals who shine not only as colleagues, but as passionate contributors to

On image: Margo Billett, founder of Thee Colon Clinic. We live in a world where competition often dominates the conversation. But for Margo Billett, founder of Thee Colon Clinic, the journey of building a business is just as much about uplifting others as it is about personal success. At 40 years young, the Gqeberha-based entrepreneur carries a contagious excitement when speaking about business, not only her own, but also that of fellow small business owners she encounters al