Leana Potgieter | Itsi Beadsi

There to meet all your fashion needs…

Leana Potgieter has been in Hermanus for 7 years and putting her artistic flair to good use by opening up an exquisite store called Itsi Beadsi. Itsi Beadsi in Hermanus specialises in hand crafted items such as rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, handbags and scarves.  Her talent, passion and love for what she does reflects in her colourful, crafted pieces.

 See what this local lady had to say to us…

When did you come to Hermanus?

We moved to Hermanus from Durbanville in March, 2007.

Why did you decide on coming to Hermanus?

My husband was offered the opportunity to open and manage the Hyundai branch in Hermanus.

Hermanus is…

I would venture to say that it is the most beautiful place in South Africa and definitely the perfect place in which to live.       

I love Hermanus in the…

Winter, because there is nothing so relaxing as sipping red wine alongside an open fire!

What made you decide to become a jewellery designer or start making beaded jewellery?

I love fashion accessories (especially made of wood) – they enhance any outfit and the right accessories can make a world of difference to a very simple outfit.  I could, however, not find any wooden jewellery in Hermanus and so my sister, who lives in Durbanville, couriered wooden beads to me on a weekly basis and I started making my own pieces of jewellery.

Very soon friends asked me to make a piece for them and it started to spread, as friends of friends wanted to place orders. At the time I worked as personal assistant to the municipal manager and it took very good planning and ‘time management ’ to cope with both ‘jobs’.  By January of 2013 my jewellery business had expanded to such an extent that I was forced to make a decision. I had to either focus on my full-time office work or I had to resign and expand my business. I took the chance to live out my passion!

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend…” Marilyn Monroe

If Hermanus was a beautiful necklace it would look like…

A necklace that turns heads – not necessarily the biggest or brightest, but one with ‘that extra something ‘. More than likely it would be something very plain, because ‘less is more’!

My favourite jewellery trends are…

Wooden beads!  They are stylish and affordable, but definitely make a statement.

The jewellery trend I dislike the most is…  

More than one ring on one hand and more than one earring on an ear,  it is a definite no go for me!

My three favourite jewellery pieces are? 

A set of diamanté  earrings that I have worn daily for the past 10 years since I bought them, my wedding ring and my string of white chunky beads!

What is the most important advice that you could give to a woman when it comes to wearing jewellery?

I do believe that ‘less is more’.  Do not wear too much jewellery – rather make a statement by wearing one stunning, albeit plain piece.

The best part of my job is…

The personal contact with my clients. The chats are not limited only to their orders.  Many of them confide in me as we get to know one another and it is good for me to know that I can mean something to someone.  A very big plus is the fact that I can plan my day as I would like and not be bound by office hours!

I wish I knew then what I do know now about…

Moving out of one’s comfort zones.  “I was so terribly cautious and afraid to take that step.  Phew, it was a huge decision to make, but I have never looked back!”

My best memories are…

The older I get and the older my parents become, the more I realize that there is nothing so precious as good memories of a happy childhood and the carefree life I had growing up.  I cherish those memories daily and revisit those happy years many a day!