Pretty Little Things | Helen Smit
History In The Making!
Helen was born in Cape Town, but was lucky enough to spend the majority of her childhood here in and around Hermanus. She grew up in the beautiful Wortelgat nature reserve, which lies on the opposite side of the Kleinriver lagoon – a real “boskind” who travelled to school via boat and grew up without electricity.
She matriculated from Hermanus High, but left after school for Cape Town and overseas. Helen moved back to Hermanus when she met my husband 5 years ago.
See what this local had to say to us…
Describe yourself in 3 words…
Creative, happy and practical
My three favourite things in the world are…
My baby Samuel, my family and mountains (and friends, the full moon, wine, our beautiful nature and so so much more!)
What made you decide to start up HelenSilverSmit Jewellery?
I love creating beautiful things and working with my hands. I originally studied environmental management and worked in social and community development, but when I moved back to Hermanus I decided to pair my love for creating, recycling and history into my uniquely upcycled silverware jewellery.
If you are not in your studio what are you doing?
Life certainly changed quite a bit with the wonderful arrival of our 11 week old baby. Currently my days are shared with him and my jewellery making – really so blessed to be able to work from home and to be with him!
The best part of owning HelenSilverSmit?
To have the freedom to create and to make unique pieces which tells stories of history, bringing happiness to their new owners.
My motto in life is: “You have been blessed so that you can be a blessing!”
Hermanus is…
Home to the most beautiful mountains and family memories.
I love Hermanus…
All year round! Summer for the beautiful beach days, winter for the perfect windless days and the most beautiful fynbos flowers, spring for the misty mornings and autumn for the perfect sunsets.
My favourite place in Hermanus is…
Wortelgat (See Eike as we grew up calling it). I grew up there, under its beautiful milkwood trees, swimming in winter and summer at the Kleinriver lagoon, without a TV or electricity – bliss. The view across the lagoon to Maanskynkop is my definition of beauty.
I wish I knew then what I do now about…
How precious each day is and how amazingly special each person is – our biggest wealth is really the incredible people we know and have in our lives!
My best memories are…
Childhood memories of endless summers at See-Eike with my beautiful sister and brothers , living in the Ukraine with my mom and dad, travelling to incredible places with my friends and family and now the birth of my baby boy!
For more visit: www.facebook.com/HelenSilverSmit
More info on the town of Hermanus |