Local Business Alert: Elle & Elle

We are constantly inspired by the ambition and resilience of local business founders. We feel that the risks that they take lead to innovation and help in moving the world forward.

We’re lucky to be part of a community with lots of smart and inspiring women who own businesses. This week we had a chat with Elle & Elle, a local online store that imports a carefully selected and curated range of products showcasing the best of ethically sourced, trendy, and quality products from South Africa.

Owned by two lovely entrepreneur ladies; Michelle Taylor and Marzelle Robertson, we chatted with them about being an entrepreneur, running a local business while also running a family, and any advice they have for other local businesses!

What is your business about and why did you start it?
We are two South African mums who have been friends for ages.

Every time we go home we love the creativity and talent so abundant in South Africa. With our kids at school, we thought it would be a great time to start a small business importing a carefully selected and curated range of homeware, décor, fashion, and accessories.
We aim to showcase the best of ethically sourced, trendy, and quality products from our home country.
Think bright and bold, vibrant colors and beautiful prints with an earthy undertone, and that is Elle & Elle in a nutshell.

So far we have three brands, we have an amazing selection of microfibre beach towels from Bobums and swim shorts from Breazies, ready to brighten up any beach day.
We recently added the luxury luggage brand Thandana, offering beautiful cooler bags and nappy backpacks.
The range will expand to other products which promise to add enjoyment and flair to many UAE homes. Visit the Elle & Elle online store, the go-to store when looking for that special gift, or just wanting to spoil yourself.

What do you love about your business?
We love being our bosses, working with a friend, and having a creative outlet where we can be ourselves.
It has been a huge privilege to join an incredible network of small women-owned businesses.
We love that our time is flexible and that we can spend time with our families.
We can be there for special occasions and our families can be a part of our business too.

How do you manage your time between running a business and a family?
It’s really difficult as it involves a lot of juggling.
But the whole point of us starting our own business was to be able to work and be there for our families.
We try to work mornings while the kids are at school and make time for the family in the afternoons.  A lot of the work is done on the go and late at night too!

Any piece of advice to other small business owners or anyone wanting to start their own business?
Do your research into setting up costs properly!
We thought it would be easy to import some products and sell them but there are so many moving parts and everything costs money.
Use the amazing network of small businesses out there and ask questions, talk to people and get recommendations – don’t just do it on your own.
Everyone knows someone who could potentially help or give advice.
Don’t be scared to ask for help.