Merle Martin - SASofties

Merle Martin is a prolific artist with a portfolio to end all portfolios. She was born in Joburg, schooled in Port Elizabeth, and matriculated in Durban. She obtained a Bachelor of Architecture in 1985 and worked as an architect for 12 years. Feeling the need to create and motivated to start her own business, Merle started working with glass, creating décor pieces and stained-glass windows. Increasing power cuts and the rocketing price of glass enamel forced her to change direction.

Two events sparked the start of SASofties, Merle’s niece had a baby, and her friend Martin Radnotti gifted her his own knit fabric. The baby safe, machine washable, uniquely South African toy was an instant hit and SASofties was born, supplied exclusively with one-of-a-kind textile from Radnotti Knitting Works.

Merle explains that she looks to encourage the caring nature of South African men and as such she enjoys producing toys that accurately model wild animals because they are often picked up by boy children. More than ever before we need to be actively breaking down gender roles by creating environments where we show young men the power of being gentle. A child is never raised by their parent alone, rather they are shaped by their community, and are a product of its norms.

During the COVID pandemic Merle began the process of building her online business, she aims to build a greater online client base to further establish SASofties. Like many artists collaborating with Big Heart she is a trader at the Rosebank Rooftop Market her clients are friends, moms, dads, aunts and uncles, and occasionally a precocious little person who won’t leave the market without a softy of their own!

Merle Martin is an artist who holds strong principles and has created a product with a ton of heart, Big Heart is proud to collaborate with her.

Click here to see Merle's gorgeous creations.