The Creator...
Hello! I'm Michelle or Shell, a thirty something year old proud mum of 2 boys. I was born in Zimbabwe in the 80s and in the early 2000's I moved over to the UK. In March 2023 I was made redundant just 2 weeks before going on Maternity Leave. Shortly after having the baby, I decided the time was right to start my business and finally do something creative that I had been dreaming about doing for years. I have gained my knowledge and skills to create your forever keepsake over many years from my own mother who is extremely talented and a very special lady. I'm not afraid to test new ways of doing things and I hope you will take this journey with me...
My Mission Statement
Thandi Keepsake and Gifts is a special enterprise born out of a desire to preserve memories in a tangible form. We specialize in transforming your loved ones' clothing into beautiful and unique keepsakes, each telling its own story. From cuddly rag dolls made from baby clothes to beautiful frames crafted from a departed relative's favourite shirts, our products provide comfort, recall fond memories, and celebrate life's milestones. We are committed to exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and creating items that are as unique as your memories. Trust us to handle your cherished items with the utmost care and respect, turning them into everlasting treasures.
The Keepsake Ideas...
There are many fantastic keepsake creaters out there that make teddy bears and blankets that we wanted to do something totally different and create a keepsake that was more unusual. We love a challenge, so please contact us if the designs you see don't quite meet your needs because we can work together to create the perfect item for you to treasure.
The Name...
The word Thandi is short for Thandiwe, which means "Loved one" in Ndebele from thanda, "To love". Ndebele is a language that was developed in Zimbabwe in the 19th century when the Zulu's migrated from South Africa. Although we can only say a few words in Ndebele, having the language as part of the business name means we are always reminded about where we came from and what is important to us.
The Logo...
We chose a flame Lily, drawn by none other than my mother. It's another link to Zimbabwe because it's their national flower but it is what it symbolises that makes it even more special. The flower represents success and ambition making them the perfect gift for someone experiencing a new beginning.