The Little Guru

Tag: Johannesburg

JHB’s Hidden Gem- Issy’s Coffee & Gift Shop

There is something quite special about finding a little haven that just makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside. As much as I want to keep this little haven a secret, it’s too special not to share. Let me introduce you to Jhb’s Hidden Gem- Issy’s Coffee & Gift Shop.

Not many people know this, but I have been captivated by the Holocaust. Many years ago I watched a film called “The Boy in Striped Pajamas”, since then I have been hooked on searching and reading stories about the survivors of the Holocaust.

Issy’s is Something Special…

Issy’s is managed by Courtneigh Bernstein, who opened the shop in memory of her grandfather, as well as in honour of all survivors of genocide. Courtneigh’s grandfather, Israel Gurwicz, was a Holocaust survivor.

I briefly got to meet and chat with Courtneigh, granddaughter and owner of Issy. The loveliest person you will ever meet!

Israel Gurwicz was born in Vilna to Bluma and Moshe-Hirsch. In 1941, the family was forced into the Ghetto. Issy’s brother Allan escaped and hid with Tonia Pietryk, their Polish governess. His mother and sister Deborah were murdered in the Ponary Forest and his father was murdered in Dachau. Issy escaped and found his way to Tonia’s house where he hid with his brother until their liberation by the Red Army. Tonia was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem for her bravery. After the war Issy and Allan immigrated to South Africa.

Goosebump moment right?

Good Food, Good Vibe

Looking out onto a little courtyard, it’s on the ground floor of the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre in Forest Town. It’s a quiet little coffee shop, that really is the perfect oasis to spend the morning. I loved how peaceful it was – it’s a place where you can take a deep breath, and just be.

Along with coffee, good coffee as said by my M, you can have bagels and sandwiches, and there are a few things for sale, like books and jewellery. The books on sale, in particular, grabbed my attention. Of course I bought one, who are we kidding here…

I bought, The Holocaust.

The crew who work there are the perfect combination of humble & friendly . Lucky, who is Issy’s front man, welcomed us with open arms and chatted to us about all the locally made gifts in store. This humble man went on to tell us that even though it has been tough (due to Coronavirus) he is still able to look after his family by the local communities support. This is why I love supporting local, it’s important because places and people as good as these, will still be around. They deserve to be!

Lucky- Hardworking & Humble guy!

The Holocaust and Genocide Centre will be re-opening on the 1st of September 2020. I cannot wait to experience it with a good old cuppa in hand.

Many may think that the centre would be a bit of a downer, but dont. Let it be a space where you go on a historical journey. I for one, cant wait.

More Info

Jhb’s Hidden Gem-Issy’s Coffee and Gift Shop can be found inside the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre, 1 Duncombe Rd, Forest Town (just off Jan Smuts Avenue and opposite The Westcliff). – Open Mon to Fri, 9am–4:30pm; Sun and public holidays 9am–3pm.

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August 24, 2020
We Got to Interview Kim Williams + Giveaway!

If you haven’t been introduced to Cape Town’s most stylish Interior Designer, you can read more about Kim Williams Design here and here

We had the pleasure of interviewing Kim and asked her some questions around interiors and home workspaces.

Kim Williams Interview

1. Change has definitely invaded the homes of many due to the pandemic and I wholeheartedly believe that change is good for the soul. Have you made any changes in your own workspace at home?
I created a pause area outside of my workspace as well as a wellness/exercise space. My office and studio is on my premises but with all of us working from home, we needed extra spaces to retreat to.

2. What would be your 3 “key” items for a small workspace?
Natural light, a comfortable and good-looking chair, as well as storage to put up and take down in your workspace to keep the space clutter-free.

3. Absolutely love that the nature trend is back! What plants have you included in your wellness space?
Me too! I think it’s going to take off even more. I have a combination of faux and real plants. Faux ferns and aloes where I do not get natural light and then hanging silver satin pathos plants in the corner of the space.

4. Colour does play a big roll in our overall mood, what would the best colour scheme be for the ideal gym or workspace area?
Ideally, you want to start with the floor – a vinyl floor will work well given you can wipe it off, and it will be cool in summer and warm in winter. This is the first prize. It really adds warmth and light.

Then you have to consider how you are using the space. If you are only using it as a traditional gym then energetic colours such as red, orange, bright colours work well. In my case, I combined a retreat (spot to escape to), yoga space, sauna, and exercise so I used pastel blue and green, combined with darker shades of green, a spot of pastel yellow, grey and white. I wanted to create a sense of serenity and connect with nature given the kind of exercise we would be doing in the space. I think in most homes these spaces will have to double up in function so you have to consider colours that will work across this.

5. What is your favourite spot in your home at the moment?
The corner couch in our PJ lounge. I have a winter fur in the space, and relaxing there with a G & T watching the sunset is my best at the moment.

6. What is an absolute “NO NO’ for a wellness space?
Clutter, white bulbs used in lighting, bright energetic colours.

7. What has been the highlight of your career to date?
The freedom I have right now in my business to choose the work I want to do. That is a great moment.

Kim not only is an Interior Designer but a behaviour strategist as well! Talk about fierce females!

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Win with Kim Williams Design!

On the subject of fierce females, The TLG Blog and Kim Williams Design have collaborated to give one of our lucky readers a gorgeous set of cushions!

Win this set of Gorgeous Cushions by Kim Williams Design

All you have to do is head over to our Facebook or Instagram pages to check out the giveaway details!

Get Entering and Good luck!

July 8, 2020
Chanel Event with Joburg Style!

So I’m slowly catching up on my blog posts.. thankfully!

Iv been dying to tell you about the gorgeous Chanel event that I went to a couple of weeks back. I called up bestie and off we went for a night of glitz and glam.

The event was held and the CHANEL Makeup Studio in Rosebank Mall. We were surrounded by local celebs such as Kevin McLennan, Fashion Duo Alan Foley and Krishen Samuel, Actress Stevie French and the gorgeous Chaino Sky, to name a few and were treated to some bubbly!

The studio was buzzing with makeup artists working their magic. While we waited for our turn, we took the opportunity to walk around and view all the makeup Chanel had to offer and I happily snapped away.

It was my first time that I have ever used Chanel make-up and I must say the make up is quite light. It gave me the coverage that I needed with minimal application while staying light on my skin. The product really is lovely and we learned a few tips and tricks from our make-up artist.

The evening was short and sweet but a whole lot of fun! After our make up was done we were ushered to the Chanel Photo wall were we snapped a gazillion selfies- all in all a glamorous evening indeed.

Cant wait for the next one!

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August 4, 2016