Behind the brand

As a mother of three young children, I felt the need to leave the corporate world but did not want to abandon my career and so set about creating a business that could work alongside and in amongst my family life. Imbali was born out of many hours of brainstorming with family, friends and whomever would listen! I wanted to create a product range that was meaningful and relevant. What better place to start than in our own back yard where fynbos grows wild.

I have always loved flowers, particularly our indigenous varieties and am fascinated by our rich cultural history and traditional plant use. For generations, African indigenous people have utilized our local plants for their beneficial qualities. Many of these benefits are not well-known or understood amongst modern day consumers both locally and abroad. Imbali has been created to celebrate Africa’s natural beauty, her goodness and her wisdom. African stories and traditions have a message for all of us. Old African proverbs are as relevant today than ever. There is still so much the world can learn from Africa, so much Africa has still to tell.

Colleen Funkey