Ammonite: Meet the Designers - Gail Van Jaarsvelt of Ndau Jewellery & Leatherware Part 2

Well, as promised, here's a further insight into the designers behind the Ndau brand. Gail van Jaarsveldt is the founder of the company and now owns it in conjunction with her daughter Christie Halsted. This extremely creative duo is more than ably aided by Kelly Landrey, Ndau's in-studio designer.

When Gail was asked to say a little something about herself, this is what she sent through:
"Being called a designer is rather a grand word to use on Gail! She would describe herself as more of an 'ideas' person as most of her life has been spent observing, working out what people like and then producing it! She moves from one idea to another like the ADHD person she is and leaves a trail of chaos behind her..... That is where is Christie, Kelly, Joe, John and the rest of the team come in - to clean up and bring order to it all!"

In reality, whilst never formally trained, Gail has an innate sense of design and an uncanny eye for what works. She is Zimbabwean born and has worked in Victoria Falls most of her life, where she has played a major role in the town's development. She is a passionate supporter of local design and of the culture of Zimbabwe and has amassed a museum's worth of local art and craft. She has combined her extensive knowledge of the leather, tanning and retail industry with the Ndau product to create the amazing pieces you will see instore today. And to think Ndau is a project she says started as a stress reliever and hobby! Currently spending time between the Cape winelands in South Africa and Victoria Falls, Gail says she is happiest in her new role as grandmother to baby Blayke and looking forward to Christie's baby being born in March!

Here's a look at what's on Gail's work bench as per her last comments: