about us
the story of rachael wild
i’m cayley bolleurs, the heart behind rachael wild—a brand born from my love for nature, conservation, and the beauty of handmade craftsmanship.
this journey began with a deep desire to create something that matters—something that brings together art, purpose, and wild-hearted storytelling.
every piece is a celebration of south africa’s endangered animals and the soulful landscapes they call home. through rachael wild, i hope to spark connection, inspire curiosity, and leave the world a little more beautiful—and a little more aware.
the meaning behind rachael wild
the name rachael wild carries deep personal significance for me. rachael was my great-grandmother on my mother’s side, a kind soul whose wisdom and compassion left an indelible mark on my life. she was a constant source of inspiration and played a huge role in shaping my mother’s life, and in turn, mine.
i was nearly named rachael, and we almost gave the name to our daughter. if we had been blessed with a third child, rachael would have been her name. it was through this deep connection to my grandmother that rachael wild was born—honouring her legacy and the untamed beauty of nature, which she so deeply appreciated.
from healing bodies to healing the wild
my journey began in the field of biokinetics, where i had the privilege of working with individuals on their rehabilitation journeys, supporting them as they regained strength and mobility. i've had the opportunity to manage practices and medical centers, and throughout this time, i've always valued the connections i've made with people and the small role i've been able to play in their recovery.
but as life evolved—especially with two young children—i felt a pull toward something more creative and flexible. that’s when i launched bee festive, an online gift store that allowed me to explore my artistic side while still creating something meaningful. it was a shift that showed me just how much i love bringing beautiful, thoughtful things to life.
a studio, a story, and a purpose
over easter 2024, i visited a community-driven ceramic studio in kwazulu-natal, and from the moment i stepped inside, i knew i had to find a project to collaborate with these incredibly talented artists. their skill, creativity, and resilience left me in awe. working against the odds with limited resources, they produce breathtaking pieces—each one a testament to their artistry and dedication. their work isn’t just about ceramics; it’s about perseverance, passion, and the power of handmade craft. i knew then that i wanted to create something that not only raised awareness for endangered wildlife but also uplifted this community of artisans.
art with a purpose
rachael wild is more than just ceramics—it’s a way to tell the stories of our vulnerable wildlife, raise awareness, and directly contribute to their protection. each piece is handcrafted by these inspiring artists, and every purchase helps support their craft while contributing to wildlife conservation.
with each ceramic piece sold, a percentage of the proceeds is donated to the african pangolin working group, supporting their vital work in pangolin conservation.
through my work, i hope to inspire people to connect with nature, appreciate the artistry of handmade creations, and take small but impactful steps toward conservation.
together, we can make a difference—one ceramic piece at a time.
thank you for being part of this journey with me.