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KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP MILA-GRACE - A Legacy Worth Supporting

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ROENTGEN & LARSEN - Bespoke Men's Accessories Cheryl Klug (nee Roentgen) and Sharlene Schulze (nee Lind Larsen) have collaborated on a brand new bespoke men’s range of waistcoats, flat caps, man bags and accessories. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, Cheryl’s grandfather, was the German mechanical engineer and physicist, who, on November 8, 1895, produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays – an achievement that earned him the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. “Both Cheryl and I love our history and

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Courtney Merle fell pregnant while studying education, but when she gave birth prematurely at 32 weeks and her daughter was diagnosed with Trisomy 21, Down’s Syndrome, she knew that the long hours working for someone else and the lack of freedom was not going to work going forward with the needs that would now need to be met with her daughter. “My amazing mother and I both quit our employment and started Social Cause Agency together, where we help out numerous charities by having a charity shop,” says Courtney. “During lockdown many people lost their jobs and I saw a need to open a second shop, where local crafters and businesses who couldn’t afford to rent out an entire outlet could have an opportunity to sell their items and grow their businesses.” Courtney started off small with a 40sqm shop in Pinetown, and a year later launched Mila-Grace in Botha’s Hill – a 200sqm shop. “Mila-Grace is a legacy I started for my daughter, I am hoping with the lack of

jobs for people with disabilities that moving forward she will be able to be a huge part of running her own shop – as well as offer opportunities to others with disabilities to be employed,” says Courtney. “We hope to eventually have many Mila-Grace stores all around and expand our little idea to many new areas.” Mila-Grace is very family oriented and everyone has had a huge part in its success. “Being a mom to a special needs child, the importance of education and awareness around Down’s Syndrome to me is huge. In a country where not much support is offered for those with disabilities, it becomes a mom’s responsibility to provide that support, awareness and showcase their capabilities and prove how amazing they are and what a huge part of our economy and lives they can be if we afford them the opportunity. I am very blessed to have an amazing husband who works tirelessly with me and has helped grow Mila-Grace. My mom is also very involved.”

WIN WIN WIN

FOR MORE courtney@milagrace.co.za; StandINFO: a chance to win a fabulous hamper 073 052 4599 containing all 8 Tipsy Cup flavours!

roots, German and dare I say Viking,” laughs Sharlene – whose grandparents were Norwegian settlers. “So the hipster, tattooed, biker, casual but spunky and edgy look both suit our personalities and passion for hard work – with an edge of class, finesse and sophistication.” The dynamic duo have so many ideas for growing the brand. “First we will add kiddies waistcoats and flat caps to the range. Men’s crossbody sling bags are already in production, and there’s much more in the pipeline. Our range lends itself to the modern groom and groomsmen, so watch our space for all things men’s accessory-wise.” FOR MORE INFO: sharlene.schulze@gmail. com; 083 635 0744

w w w . t h e c r e s t o n l i n e . c o . z a

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