When the Pause Chooses You

I hadn't planned on writing this.

In fact, I hadn't planned on missing last month's newsletter either.

But over the past few weeks I haven't been feeling particularly well and have been forced to slow down. As someone who has spent most of her adult life running her own business, slowing down doesn't come naturally.

When I brought BaliBali to Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, in 2006, I could never have imagined that twenty years later I would still be here, still sourcing beautiful treasures, still unpacking boxes, still creating displays and still trying to wear all the hats that come with being a small business owner.

Yet here I am.

And if I'm honest, I'm tired.

Not defeated.

Not unhappy.

Just tired.

After 35 years of running BaliBali, there comes a point where carrying everything on your own starts to feel heavier than it once did.

For years I have been the buyer, the merchandiser, the accountant, the photographer, the marketer, the website updater, the stock controller and often the cleaner too.

Many of you know that BaliBali has always been much more than a business to me.

It has been a way of life.

A journey that has connected me with artisans, beautiful products, incredible customers and lifelong friendships.

It has allowed me to share clothing made from natural fibres, crystals, incense, singing bowls, jewellery, home décor and treasures gathered from around the world with people who value beauty, authenticity and conscious living.

Being unwell recently gave me something I didn't know I needed: permission to stop.

Permission to pause.

Permission to ask some questions.

What does the next chapter look like?

Do I still want to do everything myself?

Is there another way forward for BaliBali?

Could someone else eventually help carry this beautiful brand forward?

I don't have the answers yet.

What I do know is that I still love what BaliBali represents.

I still love finding beautiful things.

I still love supporting ethical production and small makers.

I still love seeing someone walk away having found exactly the piece they didn't know they were looking for.

Perhaps that is why BaliBali has lasted for 35 years.

A Season of Simplifying

For now, I am simplifying.

Clearing stock.

Creating space.

Taking a breath.

As part of that process, I am opening my doors for visitors and offering many items at up to 50% off.

Think of it as a BaliBali treasure hunt.

There are beautiful pieces looking for new homes, from clothing and jewellery to crystals, incense, singing bowls, home décor and one-of-a-kind treasures collected over many years.

You are welcome to browse online first and then arrange a visit, or simply get in touch and come and explore.

And if, by chance, you know someone who may be interested in becoming part of BaliBali's next chapter, I would love to hear from them.

This isn't a goodbye.

It's simply a pause.

A moment to breathe.

A moment to listen.

And perhaps the beginning of something new.

With love and gratitude,
Merrissa Labetkin
Founder, BaliBali
Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

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Find Your BaliBali Treasure

Whether you're searching for something special or simply want to see what's waiting to find its new home, we'd love to welcome you.

• Browse the online store — explore our current collection of clothing, jewellery, crystals, home décor and more, many available at up to 50% off.
• Arrange a visit — come and explore BaliBali in person in Hout Bay. Get in touch here to arrange a time that suits you.

Every piece has a story. Perhaps one of them is waiting for you.