Paka Paka, an upmarket jewellery line launched by Clare Wiese less than a year ago, has already made its way onto Hollywood red carpets. Wiese talks about the origins of the brand and what she envisions for the future.
Abandoning a burgeoning career in litigation, Clare Wiese – daughter of South African retail magnate Christo Wiese – has turned her energy to developing and growing her fledgling contemporary fine jewellery brand Paka Paka in international markets. Launched online nine months ago, the jewellery line aims to celebrate the romance and beauty of Africa, its rich mineral resources and its pool of creative talent.
Placing the competitive US market firmly within the company’s crosshairs, Wiese aims to establish Paka Paka, which means “cat” in Swahili, as an A-list brand among the Hollywood elite.
Prior to starting your own business you studied law and journalism. Why did you enter these fields and what made you decide to leave law?
I studied journalism in London at the University of Westminster straight after finishing matric, as I wanted to spend some time abroad and I have always had a love for writing and the creative expression it allows me. After having obtained my journalism degree and working in magazine journalism in Cape Town for a while at House & Leisure and Marie Claire, I felt the time was right for the academic challenge of obtaining my postgraduate LLB.
My father started his career as an advocate at the Cape Bar, so I guess there was always a subliminal familial influence there. I absolutely loved the three years I spent practising as an attorney and had the privilege of working in litigation, more specifically in the field of medical negligence. However, in my late 20s I guess the creative inside me wanted to cut loose from the corporate world and to start my own business doing something in the design world.
Where did the idea for Paka Paka originate?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.
Making money from music
Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.
Conviction is key
Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.
The post-pandemic toolkit
How CFOs can use technology to support growth.
Big city living exodus
Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.
Big compact, big value
Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.
On barriers to entry
There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.
Fear and greed in one index
To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.
