CoralBloom Studio in Bloom: Celebrating a Double Win for Dr Michelle von Stein
Named Forty Under 40 Family Business category winner and overall Business Partners Limited ’s Entrepreneur of the Year® 2026
There is wonderful news to celebrate at CoralBloom Studio!
Our founder and designer, Dr Michelle von Stein, has received two exciting recognitions: winning the Family Business category in the Forty Under 40 Awards South Africa and being named the overall Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® 2026.
These are two independent awards that recognise entrepreneurial achievement from different perspectives. Together, they mark a significant milestone for Michelle and CoralBloom Studio, celebrating both her achievements in family business and her vision, determination and success as an entrepreneur.
“The evaluation process was tough, but we are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition,” says Michelle, reflecting on her Entrepreneur of the Year® journey. The competition involved several stages of assessment, including financial screening, interviews and on-site visits to business premises, making the overall title an especially meaningful achievement.
Creativity with purpose
This recognition is particularly meaningful because CoralBloom Studio reflects the spirit of creative, independent South African entrepreneurship. Our studio brings together original artwork, local craftsmanship and commercial opportunity, transforming hand-painted watercolour illustrations inspired by South Africa’s fauna and flora into a distinctive collection of functional art.
From cushions and table linen to clothing, journals, greeting cards and gift wrap, we celebrate the beauty of our natural heritage through products designed to bring art into everyday life.
We are also passionate about working with local female seamstresses and printers, valuing the skills, collaboration and care that go into bringing each design to life. Behind every product is a network of talented people who help turn an original idea into something tangible.
The result is a business that combines a deep appreciation for nature and artistic expression with practical design, while creating opportunities for local creative talent.
A win worth celebrating
At a time when entrepreneurship, small-business resilience and meaningful economic opportunity are more important than ever, this achievement is a reminder of the value of building a business that is not only commercially driven, but also rooted in creativity, local collaboration and a genuine connection to the natural world around us.
These two awards shine a light on what can be achieved when an authentic vision is matched by commitment and perseverance. They also celebrate the role independent businesses play in enriching South Africa’s creative economy and bringing locally inspired products to life.
We are incredibly proud of this milestone and grateful to everyone who has been part of the CoralBloom Studio journey: our customers, creative collaborators, local makers and wider community.
Congratulations, Michelle, on these two outstanding achievements!
We look forward to continuing to grow, create and share the beauty of South African nature through functional art. Thank you for being part of our story.
