Essentially bare
Business owner and creative director
Jeanette Diergaardt
A UCT graduate in strategic brand communication, Ashley McNab, founder of Bare Collective and Bare Essentials, would like to change the narrative for young creators and freelancers.
“My inspiration to starting the company was empower young people,” she says.
According to Ashley, opportunities are not equally distributed and creating employment opportunities is her way of giving back to the community and doing her part for creatives to build up their portfolio.
From creating her own moulds to selling to consumers for her essential brand, the idea is to create products for a comfortable life.
“Candles have a very calming effect to me,” she says.
Besides the current essential items that are available, Ashley is looking to expand the brand with more products that provide a touch luxury to your everyday living.
Creative directing is her playing field, as well as creating aesthetically pleasing items for anyone that appreciates beautiful items to look at.
At Bare Collective, graphic design, website development, brand development and social media marketing are what she and her team focus on.
At Bare Essentials, items available are candles in the shape of the human body as well as candle boats that are scented with exotic smells that calm the body and mind. Some of her scents include rooibos, aloe and mint. The luxury that her candles bring to a room is nothing compared to the humble beginnings of the basement where they are made by hand.
Changing the narrative for young people and actively employing the youth is one of Ashley’s goals but proves to be a challenge at times.
“Young graphic designers from Namibia are quite expensive and I can’t afford them,” says the young business owner as she reflects on the prices of freelancers in Cape Town, which are much more affordable.
For her, the most important aspects in a business are first impressions and customer service. Ashley feels that customer service is lacking in Namibia. “First impressions go beyond your physical appearance but relate to the appeal of your products and work ethic that go a long way.”
Treating all customers the same and giving top-notch treatment are what Ashley finds important.
“We create a personal experience for all our clients. I try to have a personal relationship with all my clients,” Ashley says.
From Cape Town to Namibia.
“I really love everything about Cape Town,” says Ashley but she always planned on giving back to Namibia. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic prompted Ashley and her family to move back to Namibia. She started Bare Collective in Cape Town and one of her biggest clients is from that beautiful city.
“Just boss up and do it,” says Ashley. The honeymoon phase will be there and the difficult times are demotivating, but keep going.”
Tips for business owners
1. Just do it.
2. Plan for it.
3. Save up.
5 Facts about Ashley
1. She enjoys a healthy and active lifestyle.
2. Family is her life and what she treasures.
3. Her first and biggest client was UCT.
4. Both her parents are entrepreneurs and inspired her work ethic.
5. Ashley and her partner both run their own companies.
A UCT graduate in strategic brand communication, Ashley McNab, founder of Bare Collective and Bare Essentials, would like to change the narrative for young creators and freelancers.
“My inspiration to starting the company was empower young people,” she says.
According to Ashley, opportunities are not equally distributed and creating employment opportunities is her way of giving back to the community and doing her part for creatives to build up their portfolio.
From creating her own moulds to selling to consumers for her essential brand, the idea is to create products for a comfortable life.
“Candles have a very calming effect to me,” she says.
Besides the current essential items that are available, Ashley is looking to expand the brand with more products that provide a touch luxury to your everyday living.
Creative directing is her playing field, as well as creating aesthetically pleasing items for anyone that appreciates beautiful items to look at.
At Bare Collective, graphic design, website development, brand development and social media marketing are what she and her team focus on.
At Bare Essentials, items available are candles in the shape of the human body as well as candle boats that are scented with exotic smells that calm the body and mind. Some of her scents include rooibos, aloe and mint. The luxury that her candles bring to a room is nothing compared to the humble beginnings of the basement where they are made by hand.
Changing the narrative for young people and actively employing the youth is one of Ashley’s goals but proves to be a challenge at times.
“Young graphic designers from Namibia are quite expensive and I can’t afford them,” says the young business owner as she reflects on the prices of freelancers in Cape Town, which are much more affordable.
For her, the most important aspects in a business are first impressions and customer service. Ashley feels that customer service is lacking in Namibia. “First impressions go beyond your physical appearance but relate to the appeal of your products and work ethic that go a long way.”
Treating all customers the same and giving top-notch treatment are what Ashley finds important.
“We create a personal experience for all our clients. I try to have a personal relationship with all my clients,” Ashley says.
From Cape Town to Namibia.
“I really love everything about Cape Town,” says Ashley but she always planned on giving back to Namibia. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic prompted Ashley and her family to move back to Namibia. She started Bare Collective in Cape Town and one of her biggest clients is from that beautiful city.
“Just boss up and do it,” says Ashley. The honeymoon phase will be there and the difficult times are demotivating, but keep going.”
Tips for business owners
1. Just do it.
2. Plan for it.
3. Save up.
5 Facts about Ashley
1. She enjoys a healthy and active lifestyle.
2. Family is her life and what she treasures.
3. Her first and biggest client was UCT.
4. Both her parents are entrepreneurs and inspired her work ethic.
5. Ashley and her partner both run their own companies.
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