It began with a desire to live deliberately.
May-May was born from a belief that luxury is not about more, but about care.
OUR STORY
To be surrounded by beauty, meaning, and generosity — and to gift in a way that felt intentional, not excessive. May-May was born from a belief that luxury is not about more, but about care. About elevating emotion, honoring African ingenuity, and presenting South Africa — its people, craft, and stories — with quiet confidence.
What started as a personal pursuit became a house of Afro-lux gifting: curated gestures designed to last beyond the moment.
BRAND PURPOSE
To elevate gifting into a culturally resonant luxury practice — grounded in African ingenuity, intentional curation, and enduring meaning. Through considered selection and thoughtful presentation, we connect people to significance, uplift South African artisans, and create gestures that honour both people and place.
BRAND MISSION
To redefine luxury gifting in South Africa through curated, culturally intelligent gestures that honour craftsmanship, continuity, and human connection. We work closely with exceptional local makers to translate African ingenuity into refined gifting experiences that are intentional, thoughtful, and memorable. Through uncompromising quality, seamless service, responsible practices, and BEE Level 1 excellence, we make meaningful gifting feel effortless and assured.
BRAND VISION
To become South Africa’s most trusted and admired house of gifting — the first choice for Afro-lux gestures that are culturally grounded, globally relevant, and deeply intentional. A brand that strengthens relationships, uplifts African excellence, and leaves a lasting imprint through every considered exchange.
Our Afro-lux Pillars
Together, these four pillars shape our Afro-lux philosophy—where African excellence, intention, and lasting value guide every gift.
CULTURAL CONTINUITY
We honour, uplift, and carry forward the stories that shape us. Cultural Continuity reflects our commitment to lineage, ritual, and living memory — not as nostalgia, but as presence. Through considered storytelling and symbolic curation, we present South African cultural depth with dignity, restraint, and quiet confidence.
AFRICAN INGENUITY
We celebrate contemporary African mastery. African Ingenuity is our commitment to skill, creativity, and intelligent design — elevating today’s makers into refined, globally relevant expressions of African excellence. Through close collaboration with exceptional artisans, we translate talent into gestures of lasting value and distinction.
INTENTIONAL PRACTICE
We believe gifting is a conscious act. Intentional Practice centres presence, purpose, and care — guiding how every gesture is selected, sourced, and delivered. Rooted in Afro-lux philosophy, we approach gifting as a ritual of recognition, gratitude, and connection, where meaning matters more than excess.
RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
We prioritise practices that respect people, culture, and the planet. Responsible Stewardship informs our sourcing, packaging, and partnerships — ensuring each gesture enhances long-term cultural and ecological value while reducing unnecessary impact. Sustainability, for us, is not a trend, but a responsibility.
“I created May-May to help people gift with intention — to move through relationships with care, confidence, and meaning, while honoring South African excellence and creating real value for everyone involved.”
Maylene Corry
MAY-MAY owner and founder
