The love for elegance and luxury is what fuelled businesswoman Bilala Mabuza's passion for interior design and decor.
We met up with Mabuza during the Hotel & Hospitality Show 2022, where all things design, hospitality and food were being discussed and on display.
The show, held at the Sandton Convention Centre, featured everything from fashion, art to homeware.
All talks were held in a pavilion designed by Cocoon Lifestyle, a Kramerville design and interior décor business, founded by Mabuza.
Mabuza is also a member of Design Joburg 2022's creative panel and a known supporter of local artists, designers and the greater creative community.
"I think from the time that I started in the industry it's been interesting to see the growth of black designers.
"One of the really proud things that I'm seeing is that we've worked really hard as a panel member of the 2022 Design Joburg to give opportunity to as many black designers as possible. Either for collaborations or to take up their own stands.
"For me it was also important to look at creatives broadly, not just interior designers. I do believe the creative world is more richer by having people from different disciplines in the creative space, rather than focusing on interior designers and architects.
"And I hope this show has done that, that people can walk around and experience that," she said.
Mabuza, from Sebokeng in the Vaal, has been running her business since 2009.
She started in corporate but she's also had a "special attachment to space"' and she knew she wanted to explore that.
