The Trading Company at Spice Route

PHOTOS Micky Hoyle STYLING Lauren Shantall WORDS Katharyn Williams-Jaftha

There’s never been a better time to promote South African design, says Abigail Bisogno, the creative whizz behind The Trading Company at Spice Route.

Spice Route near Paarl is an exciting Winelands destination with a variety of retail, dining and craft offerings. This is mostly thanks to co-founder Abigail Bisogno, who ditched 35 years in retail for life on the farm. Abigail is the brain behind the creative direction and project management of the renovations at Spice Route, but The Trading Company store is her special “love” project.

The store stocks a wide range of local products that express Abigail’s bold, colourful personality. “I enjoy bringing my character into the spaces I live and work in. I’m a happy person and I like my surroundings to be happy too.”

While she keeps a close eye on international trends, Abigail is passionate about South African design and about encouraging local entrepreneurs. Some of her favourite suppliers are Isobel Sippel, Sera Holland and Juditha Sakinofsky, all of whom, she says, are “simply brilliant”.

“There’s a quirkiness and cheerfulness to local talent. It’s very special. During these difficult economic times we should be encouraging entrepreneurs and helping them hone their business skills so that small businesses can survive.

“I believe people want to partner with me because they feel the love I have for colour, design and fabrics. Most of the people I’ve worked with have been successful – our collaborations have been great.”

“Local design means job creation to me in possibly the most rewarding way. It’s important for me to empower and escalate home-grown talent and to bring what they have to offer to my customers and the store.”