About Us

The seed of Big Heart Collective was planted many years ago when, as a young woman, I watched as beautifully crafted aeroplanes were confiscated from a group of informal artists on the side of a Joburg road.  Although the authorities were doing their jobs, I was struck by the injustice of the situation. These people, who had so little, now had even less. Their resourcefulness and creativity had been punished rather than encouraged.

Many years later, the idea for Big Heart Collective finally emerged. With a background in design and marketing and a new passion for the versatility of e-commerce, I felt I had developed the skills to create an online platform that could be a vehicle for the upliftment of local creatives. With the help of my passionate and resourceful co-founder Shayene, Big Heart Collective was born.

Often value is determined by context, and for many informal artists, the lack of viable channels to showcase their work means that they are forced to live hand-to-mouth. It is our aim to shift perspectives by creating a thriving online market-place which bridges the gap between informal local artists and the world.

We believe deeply in the power of human connection, creativity and skills development as a vehicle for empowering ourselves and other. By stepping closer and connecting with artists, we are exposed to the lives and stories behind the art that they create. By collaborating and sharing our skills we can create partnerships that are mutually beneficial.

We continue to be inspired by the complexity, creativity and generosity of the African Spirit. We invite you to explore our collection of handcrafted South African products and the stories of the talented artists who create them.