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ABOUT CARROL BOYES

Our Story
Over three decades ago, a gifted English teacher, Carrol Boyes, chose to follow her lifelong passion for art and sculpture. From humble beginnings, her creations have found homes across South Africa and around the world. Today, the name Carrol Boyes stands for exceptional craftsmanship, distinctive design, and enduring style.

Early Life
Born in Cape Town on 21 November 1954, Carrol Heather Boyes was the eldest of three children—siblings Charles and John completing the family. Raised on a farm in Limpopo, the Boyes children were steeped in a strong sense of community and an appreciation for local talent, heritage, and entrepreneurship. In 2019, Charles took over as CEO, ensuring the family legacy continues.

From Teacher to Artist
Armed with a Fine Arts degree from the University of Pretoria, Carrol initially dreamed of making her mark as a sculptor. Facing the reality of limited opportunities in South Africa, she spent 15 years teaching English and art. At the age of 35, she pivoted to create functional art, first experimenting with jewellery before finding her niche in home décor and kitchenware. In 1989, she launched her business from her Cape Town home, focusing on cutlery and flatware.

The Birth of a Brand
In her first three years, Carrol worked with copper, silver, brass, and pewter, crafting everything from jewellery to verdigris candlesticks. Her quirky, functional creations gained a loyal following, with her earliest pieces selling at Cape Town’s Greenmarket Square. A major break came when art dealer Peter Visser showcased her work in his Loop Street store, praising her designs as “personal, fresh, and different.”

From the outset, Carrol’s philosophy was simple: create high-quality, distinctive, and collectible art pieces people could use every day—heirlooms to be enjoyed for generations.

Expanding Production
By 1991, demand for her work far exceeded her home-based production. The solution came from her father, who offered an unused building on the family’s Limpopo farm. Together with her brother Charles, she established a manufacturing plant in 1990, starting with 12 employees and growing to 350. Located near Tzaneen, the factory became a major local employer, providing skills development and economic opportunity for the community.

Going Global
Two years after opening the factory, Carrol received her first international order, sparking worldwide demand. In 1999, the brand moved into offices in Cape Town’s Rose Street. Four years later, in 2003, Carrol opened her first retail store at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Today, there are 25 stores nationwide, alongside a thriving online shop.

Present Day
With more than 1,000 products in its portfolio, the Carrol Boyes brand is stocked in over 27 countries, including prestigious retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus in the USA, and David Jones in Australia.

Carrol’s vision, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit have been widely recognised. Drawing from a pool of skilled designers and craftspeople across South Africa, the company remains committed to quality, innovation, and keeping her legacy alive for generations to come.

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