Introducing Cecilia... LYBL Studio Co-Founder

Our LYBL boutique is curated by a mother and daughter team, Audi and Cecilia Snÿman, and is a project created with the intention of celebrating the creativity of individuals and the art they produce. The LYBL studio is committed to promoting the creation of high-quality, thoughtfully made pieces that authentically represent the immense artisinal talent within South Africa.

 

Here’swhat Cecilia has to say…

 

What inspired the idea of LYBL?

“We grew up in a happy home where we learned to appreciate beautiful furniture, art, happy people and memorable meal times. Our parents would always emphasise the importance of caring for high-quality pieces, to extend their lifetimes, repair those that needed a little love… and this taught me to appreciate the incredible work and effort that goes into making collectibles.

“I see LYBL growing to serve as a safe space to reignite the skills and artistic talents that are cherished throughout South Africa. As I embark on my journey to become a registered architect, currently in my first year of articles, LYBL has evolved into a unique network that fosters connections with artists and artisans, allowing us to collectively breathe new life into craftsmanship in South Africa.”

 

Why is LYBL important to you?

“I consider myself a collector, someone who sees value even in the most unexpected places. The opportunity to discover something special and breathe new life into it has become a true passion of mine. I believe that items imbued with meaning and sentiment can retain their value, regardless of their age.

“For instance, I cherish pieces of jewellery from both my grandmothers; furniture from my parents’ home; and a well-loved recipe book from my great-aunt. Each of these items adds value and nostalgia to my daily life, reminding me of the many individuals who came before me, along with their knowledge and kind spirits.

“LYBL stands as a testament to my family – my mother, my father, my grandparents, and the family I hope to have one day. It symbolises the golden thread that connects us all: the things we collect that can transcend generations. 

“At LYBL, we honour the impact of treasuring the artefacts that our predecessors cherished. These items are not merely in my life for a short time; rather, I am part of their journey for a brief moment before the next generation can bestow their own significance and memories upon them.”

 

What do you feel sets LYBL apart?

“At LYBL we value quality and recognize that creating something worthy of being treasured for generations takes time. Every step of the creation process involves many hands, each contributing love and passion to the items made. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on the talent within South Africa, rather than carelessly importing mass-produced items solely because they are cheaper or more replicable.

“True wealth lies in possessing a few high-quality belongings, even if they require a greater investment, rather than accumulating many low-priced items that lack lasting value. Achieving high-quality products starts with premium raw materials and resources, which must then be placed in the skilled hands of artists and artisans who can envision their full potential before the item comes to life.

“We deeply value people, their craft, and the long hours they dedicate to honing their skills. We aim to redefine the value of local craftsmanship, making it accessible not just to those who create it but to everyone. By fostering collaborations between ourselves and talented artists, we are committed to offering beautifully crafted items for all to purchase and share in their homes.”

 

What has it been like working with your mother, in bringing this online boutique to life?

“Working with my mom is a privilege few are fortunate enough to experience. She brings a wealth of experience, valuable connections, and deep knowledge of the industry. I vividly remember lying in an armchair in her first studio, nestled under the oak trees in our garden, listening to stories from a record player while watching her build her company from the ground up. She is the hardest-working and most dedicated entrepreneur I know. 

“I aspire to follow in her footsteps and create a business as resilient as the one she has built. It’s truly remarkable to say that I have a business with my mom, where we each contribute unique perspectives to the design process. I have learned so much from her, and I believe I have also introduced her to new ideas. This symbiotic relationship brings me so much joy and I am truly excited to see where this all will lead one day.”

 

What does it mean to you, to be entrepreneurial in South Africa today?

“South Africa is a truly vibrant place, where the people possess remarkable tenacity and a strong desire to build something meaningful. Our country is full of opportunities, and our communities are resilient. While being entrepreneurial here can be challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding. It’s inspiring to see individuals come together to support their fellow entrepreneurs. 

“I have been deeply touched by the support I've received over the years from family, friends, and our loyal customers. I believe it’s essential to diversify income streams, and starting a business with my mom allows me to learn from her, while developing my own approach. This is a journey I hope to share with my children one day. 

“From a young age, we embraced entrepreneurship by baking and selling goods outside our home, making necklaces for parties my parents hosted, and, throught my childhood, I engaged in various ventures. This entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured in us early on, teaching us the value of follow-through and commitment to the projects we started.”

 

In brief, what is your background – academically?

“I began my first year of architecture in 2018, full of curiosity and the desire to improve my surroundings and positively impact my community. By the time I completed my master’s degree in 2023, I still held those ideals, but my perspective had become more pragmatic. 

“Now, I focus on practical goals such as creating jobs, establishing a platform for artists to sell their work, building industry connections, and ensuring that everything I engage in is worthy of my energy and commitment. I am dedicated to seeing these initiatives through to success.”

 

In brief, what is your background – business wise?

“In 2012, I co-founded an online bakery, Two Recovering Broke Girls, with my sister, Juani Snyman. Twelve years later, we have an established and thriving bakery with a loyal customer base and a strong reputation for creating beautiful and delicious confections, cakes, breads, and more. Our bakery has served as a valuable learning ground, teaching us accountability and the importance of meeting the expectations of clients who entrust us with their special events. 

“We learned the significance of thorough planning and ensuring that every aspect of our timeline aligns perfectly, ultimately delivering results that meet our high standards. Over the years, we have faced challenges, and it is during those trying times that we learned the most and adapted effectively. 

“Our experiences with the bakery gave us the confidence to launch our second company, House of Dida, an artisanal jewellery brand. Our journey began with a heartfelt mission to support our grandmother’s retirement by building on her legacy of working with pearls since 1990. Today, House of Dida stands as a testament to her pioneering spirit, creating exquisite, ethically sourced jewellery that reflects our core values and unique approach.”