Road trips across South Africa, attending markets and festivals while exploring little nooks and crannies of the country and meeting a diverse array of people, have in many ways made Lee Ann Bailey’s dreams come true.
The 35-year-old from Southbroom, KwaZulu-Natal, didn’t set out to do this, but says following her passion has led her on incredible, unexpected journeys and, most importantly, freed her from an oppressive marriage.
“Spoilt Rotten started out as a hobby. A very dear friend invited me over for a crafting afternoon, and after making one necklace I was hooked.
“I’ve always loved art and design… but this was something else.
“I tend to get totally addicted to whatever I enjoy, so after supplying the whole family with jewellery my sister insisted I start to sell some of it.
“We started supplying a boutique, Not Sheep, in Southbroom, where we sold from a shoe box that upgraded to a red bag, which we still giggle about.
“Jo-Ellen Hannaway from Top Markets then approached me with an invite to exhibit at her market, and from there we have never looked back.”
Spoilt Rotten is handmade jewellery, Noodle Doodle scarves, real feather hair-extensions and Bailey’s team of five hand-make, market and sell their wares.
The local brand is available at a number of boutique stores nationwide.
“We’re on Facebook and people can look out for our Noodle Doodle scarves, which are made from off-cuts, and our Boho-inspired line of necklaces and bracelets, one of my favourites. We use many recycled materials and try to make each item just a little different and special.
We launched our new range called Gypsy Soul at Decorex this weekend, which works well with the trend to layer pieces.”
The website goes on line (www.spoiltrottensa.co.za) at the end of the month.
Baileys says: “We manufacture our own products with great care and pride. We are a little family who love what we do and would like to believe this shows in our product.
“The personal side of Spoilt Rotten is that it enabled me to escape an alcoholic and narcissistic marriage where I was ironically not Spoilt Rotten. It enabled me to realise my worth as a woman.
“I went from being a person who was afraid to do much, to a person who meets life head-on and accepts every challenge that comes my way.
“There’s so much you can do in life when you realise or just decide that only you can effect change in your life. The people I have met through Spoilt Rotten have had a huge impact on my life that far outweighs any monetary value.
“I have an incredible business partner and life partner, and a supportive family who jump in to fill many roles when needed, which enables Spoilt Rotten to road trip South Africa.”
Bailey says juggling an ever- increasing work load and family life can be a challenge.
“My son, Jake, is in his matric year so devoting time to him is essential. Balancing family and work can be challenging at times.
“People see the finished product on the shelf but not the behind-the-scenes moments that get it there. It’s very hard work and we travel thousands of kilometres and spend weeks out of our own beds. But I wouldn’t change a thing because the beautiful people we meet along the way become our market family and I find myself being inspired by our customers.
“Future plans include a men’s range called Rustic Okes. Our customers are always asking us why we don’t have anything for the guys.
“The men tend to get bored when shopping with the ladies. So we listened. We have a full line-up of markets for the rest of the year and into next year, so for now it’s loads more road tripping.”