This Women’s Day, one lucky woman will walk away with an incredible collection of prizes, but the real story lies behind the women who made it happen.
Organised by local content creator and entrepreneur Kelly Adams, the collaboration brings together some of Nelson Mandela Bay’s most inspiring women-owned businesses for a giveaway that celebrates community, creativity and the power of women supporting women.
Rather than promoting a single brand, the initiative showcases what happens when local business owners choose collaboration over competition. Each woman has generously contributed something unique, creating what is undoubtedly one of the Bay’s biggest Women’s Day spoils.
Meet the women behind the giveaway
Behind every prize is a woman who has poured passion, hard work and determination into building a local business.
Serenity Hair, owned by the mother-and-daughter team of Kelly Millborrow and Marlene Adams, has built a reputation for helping clients look and feel their best. Their contribution includes a R500 salon voucher together with premium Biotin B7 shampoo and conditioner.
For those looking to invest in their wellbeing, Jeanita Wallace, founder of Stride Clubs, has donated a 10-class hot yoga package, a R500 Stride Fit apparel voucher and a pair of Stride Fit earrings. Jeanita is passionate about creating spaces where women can prioritise both physical and mental wellness.
Jeanita is also the owner of Wally’s, known locally for its delicious homemade baked goods and catering. Her contribution includes two banana bread loaves and a decadent brownie platter.
Local fashion boutique Frankie Anne, owned by Ashleigh van Niekerk and Carla Simmons, has added a R350 shopping voucher. The boutique has become a favourite among women looking for timeless, effortless style.
Another proudly local brand joining the collaboration is Julz Shoes, founded by Julie Oates. What started in Gqeberha has grown into one of South Africa’s best-known footwear brands, and the company has contributed a R1 000 Pixel Shoes voucher.
Food lovers are also in for a treat thanks to Chantel Bawjee, founder of Nosh. Known for artisan baking, Nosh has donated an artisan sourdough loaf, a six-pack of chocolate chip cookies and indulgent Biscoff x Nutella brownies.
Adding something sweet to the prize is Curated Crumbs by Jess, one of the newest businesses joining the collaboration. The winner will receive a voucher for a custom 20cm mini cake, giving one lucky woman the chance to discover a growing local business while supporting an entrepreneur at the beginning of her journey.
For a little relaxation, Camelot Spa at The Boardwalk has contributed a luxurious 60-minute full-body massage together with a 30-minute Himalayan salt sauna session.
Walmer Park Shopping Centre has also joined the collaboration, donating a R500 gift card that can be spent at the shopping centre.
Book lovers haven’t been forgotten either. The lucky winner will receive two locally connected novels: Confession Collector by Gqeberha author Eleanor Douglas-Meyers and I Did, Didn’t I by Luna Hayes.
More than prizes
While the giveaway offers thousands of rands’ worth of prizes, its biggest value lies in what it represents.
The collaboration intentionally brings together both well-established brands and newer businesses, creating an opportunity for each business to be introduced to entirely new audiences. Someone entering to win a yoga package might discover a local baker they’ve never heard of, while another person following a fashion boutique may be introduced to a new cake business or wellness studio.
It’s a simple idea with a powerful impact. By collaborating instead of competing, each business taps into the audiences of the others, creating greater awareness for local brands and, ultimately, more opportunities for growth.
Kelly Adams says the collaboration was designed to celebrate women while also strengthening the local business community. By sharing audiences, supporting one another and encouraging people to shop locally, every business involved benefits from increased visibility while consumers discover brands they may never have come across otherwise.
It’s a reminder that supporting local doesn’t always mean spending more. Sometimes it simply means choosing the business around the corner instead of the one you’ve always known.
Whether it’s booking a yoga class, treating yourself to a salon visit, shopping local fashion, ordering a custom cake, buying artisan bread or picking up a new book, every purchase helps another local woman continue building her dream.
This Women’s Day, Nelson Mandela Bay isn’t just celebrating women. It’s celebrating the businesses they have built, the community they have created and the belief that when local women rise together, everyone benefits.
Why this matters for Nelson Mandela Bay
Small businesses are the heartbeat of Nelson Mandela Bay, and many are powered by women whose creativity, resilience and determination continue to strengthen the local economy. Collaborations like this do more than create excitement around a giveaway. They encourage residents to discover new local brands, support established favourites and invest in the women shaping the future of the Bay.
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