Katherine-Mary Pichulik is the Founder, Co-CEO and Creative Director of the internationally recognised, impact-focused accessories brand PICHULIK. With a BA in Fine Arts and a diploma in Patisserie, she took a circuitous route before founding PICHULIK in 2013. Katherine aims to demonstrate the potential for design to contribute meaningfully to the economy while facilitating development and opportunity for women across Africa. PICHULIK collaborates with women locally and across the African continent to handcraft a range of high-end accessories for PICHULIK’s two retail stores, global e-commerce platform, and a network of retail partners across 16 regions worldwide. PICHULIK pieces have been worn by global figures including Solange Knowles, Emma Watson, Michelle Obama, Katy Perry and Jennifer Lopez. Katherine has received multiple design accolades, including Accessory Designer of the Year by African Fashion International, and recognition in Vogue Italia’s Top 10 Jewellery Brands to Watch. She has also been awarded TWYG Sustainability Designer of the Year and has been featured in international publications including Vogue US, Vogue UK, Condé Nast Traveller and L’Officiel Mexico. Katherine is recognised as a South African Gazelles Top 40 SMME and is an alumna of the United States International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). She has mentored emerging designers through programmes including Design Network Africa (supported by the Dutch Government and the European Union), the Cesvi Onlus and Cordaid mentorship programme, and the British Council DICE programme. Katherine is driven to elevate the quality, innovation and communication of design, and to re-imagine its potential impact within the manufacturing value chain across Southern Africa.