Journal

A New Note From Claire

A long awaited re-introduction.
Title

By Claire Pratt  / 19 May 2025

I started Botanica's Journal entries in 2021, which is something I always wanted to do, since the very start of this brand's journey. I was going to write regular journal entries talking about the "goings on" over here; topics I am passionate about, the stories of how pieces come to life, what has inspired me, and more peeks into the behind-the-scenes of this little business - but you know what they say about best laid plans! I wrote only three posts (this is actually an update of the very first post I wrote and is therefore very out of date) and then barely published anything again - so bear with me while I give this another try.

I'm starting of with a quick re-introduction in case we haven't chatted before. I'm Claire, Botanica's founder and designer. Other than a passion for jewellery and design, I'm an avid reader, a huge dog fan (I own the cutest rescue called Pax), and love spending time in nature. I've recently taken up running and am in the love-hate phase (I've been told it passes and becomes only love).

“I wrote only three posts and then barely published anything again - so bear with me while I give this another try.”

Since 2021 I have been lucky enough to have Kelsey join me in building this dream. She is my right-hand lady, my co-designer, and my constant reminder that we can do difficult things.The department of labour wouldn't accept that job title, so we has to label her as our "Brand Manager", but she's my external brain and understands my chattering and wild design ideas better than anyone else. 

 

We have also had an amazing bench jeweller, Kabelo, join us - he is endlessly patient, very stylish, and meticulously manufactures many of your favourite designs, like our much-loved Fynbos pieces.

 

I believe in creating pieces, whether custom or our ever-popular range pieces, that are designed to be worn every day and for many years to come. All our jewellery is made locally here in our Cape Town studio and in collaboration with some of the City's most talented artisans. Every single piece is passionately designed by myself and Kelsey and all manufacturing processes are overseen by me too.

“I believe in creating pieces that are designed to be worn every day and for many years to come.”

When I started Botanica in 2017 I knew I wanted to build a brand that focused on three main things; creating designs that are unique, crafting high quality jewellery that is made to last (we see far too many jewellery pieces these days that simply will not last over the years), and to cultivate the personal relationships I am so lucky to have within the Botanica Community. I have never dreamed of building a big company; rather one that allows me the honour of creating immensely personal pieces, for special clients, in my signature Botanica style. My hope is that every Botanica piece will be loved as much as we loved making it.

 

I am so looking forward to sharing my passions, insights, and more about Botanica here with you - and, this time, I promise to follow through (mostly because Kelsey will make sure I do).

 

Until next time,

 

Claire

All photographs of Claire taken by Shante Hutton Photography. 

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