Our people
The hands behind every batch
The people behind Cape Island are a passionate, creative and purpose-driven team, united by a love for Africa's rich heritage, culture and natural beauty.
Entrepreneurs with a purpose
Suzanne Snowdowne
After returning from a former life in London, Cape Island was started in 2015 by creative visionary Suzanne Snowdowne and logistical guru Karin Wood.
Together they head up a team of talented women and devoted mothers working to build something that lasts. Following the African tradition, we are a brand with a passion for telling stories through our products in a way that inspires people.
We are more than a business. We are a team of women building something worth inheriting.
What guides us
Three things we'll never compromise on
Storytelling
Every fragrance we make begins with a place, a memory or a tradition. Our team is drawn from across South Africa, and those stories are theirs to tell as much as ours.
Read our story
Sustainability
Micro-batch production, natural plant-based ingredients and packaging designed to be reused. Our team makes small quantities properly rather than large quantities quickly.
Social responsibility
We partner with organisations working in education, community development and conservation across South Africa, and a portion of proceeds from selected products goes directly to them.
See who we support
Female-founded, female-run
Meaningful work for women
Cape Island is 100% female-owned, and our team is largely made up of women. Creating real, dignified employment for women across South Africa particularly those who have been most disadvantaged is not a side initiative. It is why the business exists.
Every candle is poured, every diffuser filled and every order packed by that team, here at home, in small batches, by hand.
2015
Founded in Cape Town
100%
Female owned
By hand
Every batch, on African soil
