About Lerato Design Consultancy

Diana Lerato George, the creative vision behind Lerato Design Consultancy is deeply rooted in a heritage rich in culture and craft. Born in rural Eswatini, Diana was immersed in traditional artistry from an early age. Her father travelled Southern Africa in an old bus, sourcing handcrafted treasures from village to village, exposing the family to the finest textiles, beadwork, basketry, and woodwork. These early experiences cultivated a profound appreciation for authenticity and craftsmanship.

Her passion for design was further nurtured by her mother, who brought theatre, music, and design into everyday life. This love for creativity was formalized with a BA in Textiles from the prestigious Chelsea School of Fine Art and Design in London. Over the past 23 years, African design has remained the thread that runs through her career, shaping her unique design perspective.

For the last 10 years, she has worked extensively in the homeware industry, exporting African design to international retailers such as West Elm, Restoration Hardware, Anthropologie, Target, Conran, and Selfridges, as well as numerous boutique retailers worldwide.

Through close collaborations with freelance designers across the continent and trusted partnerships with vendors, she has guided creators through the often complex process of scaling for global retail while ensuring products remain rooted in African identity. By working hand in hand with both artisans and retailers, she continues to champion design that celebrates the richness of the continent while meeting the highest international standards.

Lerato Design Consultancy – Storytellers. Brand Whisperers. Designers.