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KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

THE NEXT LEVEL

Known for their innovative concepts and beautiful design, the team at Ballito’s Lifestyle Centre have launched yet another ground-breaking offering. Next Level presents a welcoming collection of meeting spaces in a casual and unpretentious, yet sophisticated environment, in which to connect with colleagues, professionals, friends and like-minded acquaintances.

According to Lifestyle Centre owner, Bruce Rencken, “Next Level is an integral part of the ethos of The Studios and Lifestyle Centre, enabling the North Coast community to connect, engage and perform at a different level by providing an unparalleled meeting experience.”

Four stylish meeting rooms are equipped with the latest technology for the best connectivity and audio-visual experience. Offering a choice of boardroom or lounge type venues, they offer business • THE RIDGE M AGAZINE’S BEST KEP T SECRET

ABOVE: The Dandelion Lounge is an 8-10 seater sitting room offering a casual yet sophisticated back drop for intimate events.

professionals, engaged hobbyists or friends the ability to effortlessly host or attend client meetings, team workshops, art classes, hobby clubs and intimate celebrations in an inspiring space.

Good coffee from Coffee Lab and great food options are also on offer, and the Next Level team can even tailor-make an event for you.

As Bruce states, “This is not your average meeting space, and it’s so much better than any boardroom or conference venue. Everything is literally taken to the next level with the intention of facilitating productivity, creativity and delight.”

FOR MORE INFO: www.ballitolifestylecentre. co.za/nextlevel or follow them on @nextlevelballito or W @nextlevelballito.

WORLD-FIRST FOR ESSE

Homegrown bio-clinical skincare brand, Esse, has launched a range of professional, customised skin rewilding treatments which incorporate advanced pre- and probiotics, as well as the application of live probiotics. The Esse Experience treatments – Esse Express, Esse Experience, and Esse Live Probiotic Experience – are world-first, science-based treatments that rewild the skin using Esse products.

“Conventional skincare has adversely affected the skin’s natural microbiome by stripping it of bacteria that actually protect the skin,” explained Trevor Steyn, founder of Esse. “Because of this, we’ve seen a drastic rise in modern skin conditions such as acne and eczema, with the problem further compounded by people turning to quick fixes that do more to harm the skin than help.

“The targeted facial treatments deeply hydrate, soothe, and renew the skin. This not only rewilds the skin – restoring the natural microbiome – but it also reduces inflammation and slows the ageing process.”

Benefits include: Boosting collagen production, soothing stress relief, antiinflammatory properties, strengthening the barrier function, and restoring the skin’s natural ecosystem.

FOR MORE INFO: www.esseskincare.com

GATEWAY’S INFLUENCERS

Six Durban-based content creators have joined Gateway Theatre of Shopping to share their experience of the mall’s ongoing, exciting story. Having established themselves as authentic voices and experts in specific interest categories, they know how to create engaging content. “Gateway is active on Facebook, Twitter,

ABOVE: Six of the best: Tee Xaba, Shan Fourie, Muhammed Timol (Moj), Lindiwe Dube, Nono Mtshali and Skye Wigley. Instagram and, more recently, TikTok,” says Gateway Theatre of Shopping marketing manager, Michelle Shelley. “The platforms let us share what’s happening at the mall, as well as the inside scoop from Gateway tenants.”

The selected content creators and their categories of interest are:

1. Fashion 2. Food 3. Wellness 4. Entertainment @moj_timol

Muhammed Timol @Inthekitchenwithnono Nono Mtshali @Shanfourie.co.za Shan Fourie @therealteexaba Tee Xaba 5. Home and Decor @lindiwe_doobear Lindiwe Dube 6. Tech, Gaming, and Toys YT - KiLAB Gaming Skye Wigley

NEW LOOK PLANTERS

Brand new in SA, Japi by Hingham presents this stylish range of planters from Brazil. Conveniently super-lightweight, they’re made from highly durable polyresin material that is UV protected for both indoor and outdoor use. Chip and crack resistant, this material carries a 10-year warranty. The range is large with sleek modern styles and some classic designs too, with a spectrum of colours that is versatile and ideal for current decor trends.

FOR MORE INFO: 082 895 8701; available at www.japibyhingham.com or at Hingham Nursery in Glen Hills.

A HABBY PLACE

New kid on the block at Flanders Boutique Mall is Sew Hello. “I’ve always felt there was a need for a local ‘habby’ store as residents have to travel some distance to buy a simple needle and thread. Sewing and crochet has definitely made a comeback – and at Sew Hello we give lessons in both. Also, well-known bear maker Dianne Sturgess will soon be joining us for bear making classes,” says owner Meryl Booth.

Sew Hello is also a Bernette agency working with Bernina Durban North. This makes it easier for Bernina clients in Mount Edgecombe and surrounds to drop off or pick up their machines for service, etc.

Crochet Classes: Alternate Thursday and Saturday mornings at 9am.

Sewing Classes: Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday mornings at 9am, or Thursday evenings.

Coming Soon: Bear making classes.

FOR MORE INFO: Booking essential on 078 559 0651; sew.hello.flanders@gmail.com; sew.hello.there

ABOVE: Meryl (standing) with some fellow tenants trying their hand at crocheting.

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

SPRINGFIELD RETAIL CENTRE – LOTS MORE TO OFFER

One year after the unrest, it’s great to find something to celebrate in KZN.

Despite the challenges, Springfield Retail Centre’s landlord has rebuilt the centre, using the opportunity to add new features and upgrades to give shoppers an even better experience.

Stores that were affected by the unrest have risen to the occasion, with Dial-a-Bed and Ted’s Home Store recently opening brand-new stores in May. Ted’s Home Store now boasts a massive 1 000m² concept showroom, while the new Dial-a-Bed store has a new look alongside unique features – a Comfort Zone that lets you find the mattress softness that’s right for you.

Coricraft opened its doors in April, with an impressive 1 224m² showroom that oozes decor inspiration, and ToyZone will re-open in July. Also coming in July are Mr Price Home, Westpak and PetZone.

For a WOW experience, visit Springfield Retail Centre today!

FLAVOURS OF JAPAN

Yori Oki is the newest addition to Eat Street’s restaurant scene at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre, offering an intimate, beautifully designed space in which to indulge in the flavours of Japan, on both a sensory and culinary level.

Owner-manager, Christos Konahos, explains that “Yori Oki is translated as ‘bigger than or greater than’, and although our space is small, our food, our ambience and our service embody the meaning of Yori Oki. Our aim is to ensure our patrons are immersed in a unique sensory experience that honours the Japanese culture and showcases our big flavours and generosity of spirit.”

Each dish is prepared and plated to perfection and signature cocktails create a feast for the senses. Yori Oki offers traditional and signature sushi, claiming to take sushi to the next level, along with an extensive main menu focused on the food of Japan, including Dim Sum, Ramen, Mamezara (small dishes) and Robatayaki (flame-grilled skewers on special Binchotan coals).

In addition, their small selection of main meals and desserts presents their unique take on the vibrant and distinctive flavours of contemporary Japanese fusion. An excellent wine list and extensive range of Japanese liquor and whiskies completes the experience.

FOR MORE INFO: View the menu and book a table or order online for home delivery or takeaway at www.yorioki.co.za

ECO-CONSCIOUS LUGGAGE COLLECTION

The Thule Aion range is the latest luggage collection to join the Thule family. Made from recycled materials with all-inone solutions for unparalleled functionality, each piece in the collection has been designed with the active lifestyle in mind and will help you seamlessly transition from everyday life to faraway adventures.

The highly durable and water-resistant waxed canvas fabric is free from toxic PFCs (perfluorinated compounds/ persistent organic pollutants) and will keep belongings dry in bad weather. The bag’s rugged and durable waxed canvas fabric develops a patina that looks even better as it ages and gives it more character.

Every piece in the Thule Aion collection has innovative modular and multifunctional designs to allow you to use one bag for a variety of activities, or combine bags to utilise new functions. The Thule Aion sling bag, for example, doubles up as a hip belt when used with Thule Aion backpacks. The bags also have unique interior features that separate everyday items from dirty or damp active gear.

Available in the collection are a duffel bag, carry-on suitcase, travel backpack and sling bag.

FOR MORE INFO: www.thulestore.co.za

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

Three music greats all wrapped up in one show. Don’t miss a tribute to Abba, the Bee Gees and Queen. Burning up the stage at The Barnyard Theatre, Suncoast, tickets cost from R195 per person. Get your body moving as this show takes you on a trip through space and time in the 70s and 80s when glitz, glam and some of the greatest pop tunes ever written emerged. On stage until September 18.

MUZE – NEW STORE AT GATEWAY

Muze sells more than just beautiful clothes. With a desire for women to overcome insecurities, we draw out their beauty from within and take on the role of “personal stylist” and friend the minute one walks into our store. This is the thinking of Wendy van Zyl and Stephanie Wilkes, the partners behind the Muze brand.

Muze’s bespoke designs, limited runs and carefully crafted ranges are made with a passion for authenticity. This is testament in the fabric choices, pattern inspiration, colour palette and styles that are handpicked and carefully sought out.

Garments are 100% locally made, and the concept behind Muze is based on timeless pieces, interchangeable items that work together to create a complete wardrobe. Try something new, step out of your comfort zone – be fabulous!