I “found” Caron – somehow – on Instagram. Her coral tree and hoopoe images instantly caught my eye, and I tracked down her website. We started chatting to her about how (and if!) she would be prepared to work with us. At first, I couldn’t quite figure out why she seemed so relatable and just so…nice. But now that I know her story, it’s obvious: She’s from KZN! To date she has designed some bespoke calendars and notebooks for us, and we know this is only just the beginning. Read her full story below.
Caron Andrews Bio:
I was born in beautiful KwaZulu-Natal, where my love for art and flowers took root. As a little girl, I spent countless hours in my grandparents’ garden in Westville, sketching and daydreaming among the blooms. Later, I would paint on our farm in the Natal Midlands — places that shaped both my creativity and my soul. When I was nine, for Christmas, I was given my first proper watercolour set by my parents. That same Christmas, I was also given a little wooden easel by my Grandparents, which my Grandfather had made himself. I treasure it to this day — and still use it! My family always encouraged my creativity, and for that I’m endlessly grateful.
In my teenage years, I moved to Johannesburg and completed my schooling at the National School of the Arts before studying teaching at Wits. I graduated in 2000 and married my husband, Richard, the following year. We moved to the UK soon after, where I spent several years teaching, running my own small art business, and welcoming our two children — all while collecting a fair share of adventures along the way! In 2009, we returned to South Africa to raise our family, and I resumed teaching. For the past decade, I’ve had the joy of heading up the Art Department at a private school in Johannesburg, sharing my passion for creativity with children from Grade 1 to 7.
Like many people, lockdown brought me back to myself in unexpected ways. I began painting a small watercolour piece each day, pairing it with an inspirational quote as a way to navigate the uncertainty. What began as a personal ritual of encouragement soon resonated with others, and the response was overwhelming. That little daily practice blossomed into my very first product — the Tropical Vibes Inspirational Quote Card Set. And just like that, Flourish was born.
What started as a passion project has now grown into a thriving business I absolutely love. My artwork now lives on textiles, stationery and beyond — each piece created with the hope of bringing joy and inspiration into everyday life.
My Origins Collection is especially close to my heart. It’s a tribute to my late grandparents and mum — my “Roots and Wings” story. I used my inheritance from them to fund the start of Flourish, and it has remained self-sustaining ever since. The Hoopoe, my grandfather’s favourite bird, features prominently in the range, as does the African Coral Tree — a symbol woven into my life. My mum always told me to keep a lucky bean in my purse; I still carry one today. I seem to find them wherever I go, and they remind me to stay grounded in where I come from — no matter where I’m headed.
I’ve recently taken a big leap of faith and resigned from my teaching position to focus on Flourish full-time from 2026. I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.
One of my favourite quotes is by Pablo Picasso: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” That’s exactly how I feel about art — it’s my gift and sharing it with others is the greatest privilege.
I sell most of my products online and do a couple of in-person markets. I love working on collaborations and doing commissions! You can find more of my work online at: www.flourishbycaron.com . I’d love to connect with you!
Always Flourishing,
Caron
