Artisan Spotlight // GOLD BOTTOM

When asked what she does, Nikki Schomer, designer and owner of the designer plantwear brand GOLD BOTTOM, will tell you that she makes plants proud. “Plants are beautiful, but often their pots aren’t. Beauty shouldn’t stop at the plant!”

Her debut collection Fields of Gold was inspired by the symbolic and expressive elements found in South African culture, resulting in original, distinct designs. When featured on a balcony, in a home, entrance or business, the space is transformed.

Having spent almost 10 years in the fashion industry, dealing with imports on a daily basis, Nikki felt it of utmost importance to grow the South African economy and people by producing a product that is locally produced from start to finish.

Artisan made

The pots are made entirely by hand from start to finish in Cape Town, South Africa. “Mamkele and Linda mix a lightweight concrete and hand mould the pots. This process requires a lot of care and attention as our planters have specific branding on the inside and the bottom of the pot”, says Nikki. “Once the pots have cured, Fekile starts a lengthy finishing process to ensure that the pots are perfectly smooth and water tight. Only then would Songezo and myself start painting the designs and obviously finish off with our unique gold bottom – again applied by hand.”

Upliftment & Empowerment

With her talented team of four artisans this business simply wouldn’t be possible. “As I’ve mentioned, there are two very different parts to the production. For many of our highly skilled team, working on a product like this was entirely new and meant a great deal of training. It’s been an amazing learning journey. I probably could’ve just imported the raw pots, but by choosing to produce locally, its allowed us to better control the quality and provide employment and skills growth for a number of people. And this is what the business is really all about,” says Nikki.

Each pot is meticulously handcrafted and made to last, with respect to people and the environment. Nikki likes to think of these qualities as the golden lining that sits at the bottom of everything she does.

“At Gold Bottom we want you to rethink the way you “dress” your plants and where you put them. They should be statement pieces, proud and part of your décor.”

Browse our Gold Bottom collection below and prepare to transform your space.