Michelle de Klerk moved from South Africa to Wellington in 2014 and immediately started seeking out creative and unique decor and accessories to fill her new home. She was naturally drawn to the work of artisans who crafted products inspired by nature and the vibrant South African culture.

De Klerk wanted to fill her home with these items but also share them with her new country, and so Cotton & Clay was born; an online store offering handcrafted lifestyle products and homeware.

She particularly likes to feature artists who embrace the use of locally sourced materials and value fair and ethical labour.