Durban Girlies, We've Arrived - Bare & Boho, Salt Rock

Meet our very first Wants & Needs stockist, Bare & Boho - a beautifully tranquil lifestyle boutique where you can get your hands on everything from stylish locally-made clothing and accessories, to collagen health products and of course, their signature collagen tan can sessions. Bare & Boho recently moved to a dreamy new space in Sage Center, Salt Rock and we caught up with founder, Claudia to chat all things business and some things a little more personal.

Q. Tell us about you, Claudia.

A. I love travel and wanted nothing more but to do it for years and years. On one of my trips I came across a store that inspired me for my own, so I had to bring that idea home. What I thought would give me time for more travel has in fact been the complete opposite because I am now always in the store doing what I never thought I would be doing, and I've truly never been happier!

Q. What has been some of the biggest lessons you've learned as a female entrepreneur?

A. Things are hard and people don't take you seriously most of the time...

Q. How do you stay inspired when it comes to curating your store? How do you choose the brands you stock?

A. I stay inspired because of everyone around me. I am such a people person and love to talk, so having clients in and out all day is the best thing for me! When it comes to the brands I choose to stock, I am super picky so I have to LOVE what I am looking at. I also love exclusivity so I try make sure I am the only store in the area to carry the brands I end up choosing.

Q. What does your day-to-day look like as a business owner? Any unexpected joys (or chaos)?

A. I usually get to the store early to clean (I am much more productive in the mornings than the afternoons so I get this done first thing!). While I set up for the day I'll have a nice big red cuppa. No two days are the same, with some being more quiet, allowing me to catch up on some reading and window watching. Other days are chaos, where I have clients in and out the whole day which keeps me spinning, but I love it! 

Q. When you're not running your business, how do you unwind and recharge?

A. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE BEACH! When I am not in the store, I am definitely on the beach, in the water or most probably, eating something tasty. 

Q. What does "style" mean to you, and how does jewellery fit into your everyday look? Do you have any favorite Wants & Needs pieces?

A. Jewelry is my everything! I don't think there is such a thing as too much, in fact the more the better. Stack up all the rings, earrings. Wherever I can find a place add something more, I'll do it! My favorite Wants & Needs items are the Calypso Stud Earrings - they make such a statement! 

Q. Any future hopes for Bare & Boho?

A. At the time we had this chat we were still in our previous spot in Ballito, but I'm happy to report that we just opened the doors of our absolutely beautiful new space at Sage Centre, Salt Rock! We are nestled between one of Ballito’s top restaurants, and a charming morning coffee spot - the perfect setting to elevate the boutique experience and increase exposure for all the amazing brands we house. Growth and expansion has always been a dream of mine, so this move is truly a dream come true!

Q. What is something you’ve loved recently - a book, a place, a routine, or a piece of advice?

A. Something I've loved recently (even though it's hard to pick just one because there's so much good happening at the moment) is a new cook book. I've made a point of making one recipe out of it each week and I am loving it! 

The best advice I've received lately, just as Bare & Boho was given the chance to grow was, JUST DO IT, because how are you going to make it happen if you don't try -  I really loved that! 

Bare & Boho stocks a curated selection of Wants & Needs Jewellery, perfect for trying on in person. You can follow them on Instagram for news on their exciting new location.