Welcome to Design Stories
At Lulasclan, every piece we create is a labor of love—a secret love letter to Africa. Through Design Stories, we invite you into our world, where art meets function, culture evolves, and heritage is celebrated.
Join us as we unravel the journey behind each product—the inspirations behind our patterns, the triumphs and challenges of entrepreneurship, and the artist's perspective shaped by lived experiences. With a deep passion for the intersection of art and functional design, we craft pieces that honor home, history, and most importantly, you.
Welcome to the story behind the design.
Reflections, Beginnings, and the "With Love" Campaign
At Lulasclan, we often take a step back to reflect on our journey—where we started, how far we’ve come, and where we’re headed. Founded on a love for geometric lines, bold colors, and meaningful storytelling, Lulasclan is more than just a brand; it’s a tribute to African contemporary design.
This February, as part of our "With Love" campaign, our founder and creative director, Bonolo Helen Chepape, shares the early years of Lulasclan’s development. She opens up about her family's role in shaping her vision, her passion for design and textiles, and the deep desire to create pieces that make a lasting impact.
Q&A with Bonolo Helen Chepape
How did Lulasclan begin?
Lulasclan started in 2016 when I was searching for homeware pieces for my new apartment. I struggled to find designs that truly represented African contemporary aesthetics in the homeware space. That realization sparked an idea—if these pieces didn’t exist, why not create them myself?
After identifying a gap in the market, what were the next steps?
At first, I had no idea where to start. I just knew I wanted homeware pieces that resonated with me, and I had stacks of sketches and doodles of patterns and concepts. Those sketches became the foundation of Lulasclan. I wanted to create functional art—pieces that people could live with, that carried meaning and identity. Scatter cushions became the first canvas for this vision.
How did you turn the idea into reality?
It all started during a lunch break at my advertising job at Metropolitan Republic. I was on my usual walk to grab a pepper steak pie with a side of roasted veggies when I overheard two guys discussing the future of retail and the rise of e-commerce. I didn’t even know what "e-commerce" meant at the time, but something about their conversation sparked my curiosity.
I went home and started researching, and to my surprise, e-commerce was the perfect entry point for my business. It required minimal capital compared to opening a physical store or stocking on consignment. Shopify stood out as the most reliable platform with a trusted payment gateway, so I built my first online store there—and I’ve stuck with it ever since.
Family plays an important role in your journey. Can you elaborate?
Once I understood how to make this dream a reality, I looked to my immediate environment for support. Finding skilled artisans was out of reach financially, so I turned to my family.
To test the idea, I first pitched it to my mom and aunt. Encouraged by their support, I took the leap of faith—quitting my dream job after just a year to pursue my passion for textiles and design.
My family laid the foundation for what Lulasclan is today. They taught me the importance of sharing, storytelling, and treasuring connections—values that shape not only my design approach but also how I engage with the people and brands I collaborate with. Every piece I create draws from this deep well of belief, love, and cherished family memories.
Can you tell us more about the patterns you create for Lulasclan?
Lulasclan is, in many ways, a love letter to Africa. Through pattern design, I explore my relationship with my cultural roots and childhood memories. Growing up, I spent time visiting my grandmother in Limpopo, observing the beauty of daily life. That experience, combined with my urban upbringing, gave me a unique perspective—one that embraces diversity and the interconnectedness of cultures.
My artistic style is influenced by my fine art background, my graphic design training, and a deep appreciation for both African and global art movements. At a glance, my work draws inspiration from the Ndebele people of South Africa, but upon closer inspection, it reflects a broader tapestry of artistic influences, from the Bauhaus movement to the color mastery of Mark Rothko and Paul Klee.
Through years of experimentation, I discovered my authentic voice in pattern-making. My goal is to showcase the similarities and connections between African cultures, weaving them into a visual language that speaks to heritage, identity, and modern expression.
What is the "With Love" campaign all about?
"With Love" is our reason for being— a heartfelt celebration of the connections our pieces create.
When I started Lulasclan, I never imagined how deeply these pieces would resonate with people. Over time, I've come to appreciate the beautiful connections that have formed through our designs—connections with collectors, supporters, and collaborators from all walks of life.
This campaign is a moment to pause and reflect—to celebrate the people and places that have embraced our work. Every person who walks into our store has a story. Whether it's about their roots, their travels, or their love for design, Lulasclan has become a part of their journey. I cherish the thought of our pieces traveling the world, carried in suitcases to new destinations, finding a place in homes filled with love and meaning.
Moving to Cape Town three years ago has only deepened this sense of connection. Every day, I’m reminded that this city is where so many of these special moments and relationships take shape. It’s here that Lulasclan continues to grow, inspired by the people, homes, and spaces that welcome us.