Lily Grace: 2024 So Far – Markets, Milestones, and Magic Moments
Hey there,
So, 2024 has been a year, hasn’t it? For Lily Grace, it’s been all about hustling, laughing, and maybe (definitely) stressing a little while chasing dreams and making Hermanus-inspired magic happen. If you’ve followed along, you know we’re all about creating one-of-a-kind homeware gifts that tell a story. And wow, what a story this year has been so far. Grab a coffee (or tea if you’re fancy), and let me spill all the tea on our journey—from markets to milestones and everything in between.
First up: June. Oh, June. It was freezing, but the Gift Market at Curro Hermanus warmed us right up. Picture this—tables stacked high with our signature 100% cotton scatter cushion covers, designer coffee mugs, and shoulde bags.
Honestly, the Curro market wasn’t just about selling. It was about connecting—sharing the beauty of Hermanus with people who “get it.” We even had a few regulars come back for more. (Love you, whoever you are!)
Our Hermanus-inspired beach girls was a big favorite
This was one of those pinch-me moments. The Village News featured Lily Grace in an article about how it all began (check out page 9 if you haven’t yet!). Reading about my journey—from turning a passion for design into a full-blown business—made me emotional.
It all started with a love for Hermanus and its natural beauty. I wanted to capture that magic and bring it into people’s homes. From the first scatter cushion cover to the growing range of homeware gifts today, Lily Grace has always been about creating something special—something you can’t find anywhere else.
If you haven’t seen the article yet, here’s the link.
Now let’s talk about the Whale Coast Mall Pop-Up Market. Setting up shop in front of Woolworths Hermanu there felt like moving into the cool kids' cafeteria at school. The vibe was buzzing, the foot traffic insane, and the feedback? Oh, the feedback!
One of my favorite moments? A tourist from Russia fell in love with our Green Fynbos Coral Fleece Blanket. She said, “It’s perfect for those long, snowy winters back home!” (I mean, how cool is that?) It felt amazing to know that a little piece of Hermanus was heading off to the other side of the world.
Want to see what made her swoon? Check out the Green Fynbos Coral Fleece Blanket here.
The Cape Gift Market in Greenpoint was pure creativity overload. Imagine a room filled with handcrafted gems, friendly faces, and curious shoppers. This was one of those markets where our African wildlife-inspired scatter cushion covers were an absolute hit.
Majestic Leopard cushion cover
From leopards to elephants, these designs bring South Africa’s wild beauty to life. Shoppers loved their vibrant colors and detail, with one customer saying, “This is going straight to my safari lodge!”
You can browse the collection here.
Our Protea cushion covers and fleece blankets were also crowd favorites. The protea designs are so distinctly South African, and they make stunning Gifts for Her Birthday or just-because surprises.
Want to see why everyone loved them? Check them out here
Okay, this one still gives me goosebumps. Being approached by The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa to stock our products? That’s the kind of email you re-read five times to make sure you didn’t imagine it. Seeing our designs in such a stunning, iconic space feels like the ultimate “We’ve made it” moment.
Our 100% cotton scatter cushion covers, designer coffee mugs, and fleece blankets now live among luxury—and honestly, they fit right in.
And now, the countdown is on for our next big event: the Gift Market at Curro Hermanus. We’re bringing all the favorites—scatter cushions, blankets, mugs, and maybe a few surprises. (Hint: Think fresh, new designs inspired by the changing seasons.)
Here’s the thing: Lily Grace isn’t just a brand; it’s a little piece of Hermanus you can take home. Our designs—whether it’s the African Wildlife Collection, the Protea Cushion Covers and Fleece Blankets, or the Green Fynbos Coral Fleece Blanket—are inspired by the beauty of South Africa.
We pour love into every product, from the fabrics (hello, 100% cotton) to the unique prints you won’t find anywhere else. It’s why our range makes the perfect Gifts for Her Birthday or just-because surprises.
If 2024 has taught me anything, it’s this: Gratitude turns what we have into more than enough. Every smile at a market, every online order, every “Wow, this reminds me of home” fuels the fire to keep going.
If you’re looking for unique bedding, homeware, or those “I didn’t know I needed this” moments, you’ll find them in our online store.
Thanks for being part of this journey—whether you’re a customer, a cheerleader, or someone who just loves a good story. Here’s to the rest of 2024 being even more unforgettable.
See you at the next market?
Valmarie
Lily Grace Design