#doDifferent

At aDifferent Life, we believe that making a difference doesn’t always require a grand gesture; sometimes, it starts with a single thread. Today, we’re shining a light on The Sewing Cafe, a remarkable social enterprise in Cape Town that is proving how the art of sewing can "restitch" the fabric of a community. read more »

We’ve all been there—the familiar sizzle of a steak, the legendary pink sauce, and the sound of kids laughing in the play area. For many South Africans, Spur Steak Ranches isn’t just a restaurant; it’s the backdrop of our childhood birthdays and family Sunday lunches. read more »

In the heart of the South African bush, beauty and tragedy often walk the same paths. While we celebrate our majestic wildlife, there is a "silent killer" lurking in the shadows: the snare. These unassuming loops of wire, hidden along animal tracks, are cheap, effective, and utterly indiscriminate. read more »

At the heart of every great South African morning is often a vibrant "Obrigado!" and the rich aroma of a freshly pulled shot of espresso. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens after you finish that cup? read more »

In a world where luxury often feels distant and mass-produced, there’s a quiet revolution happening in a small town in the Free State. It’s a story of "Shining Stars," handcrafted excellence, and a business model that puts people—truly—at the very heart of everything they do. read more »

In a world where the beauty industry is often clouded by synthetic fillers and complex chemical chains, there is a refreshing movement growing right here on South African soil. It’s a movement that whispers of fynbos, African oils, and a deep-seated respect for the Earth. read more »

There is a specific kind of magic in the word Ubuntu. We hear it often, but to truly feel it—to live the "I am because we are"—is something entirely different. In the world of new parenthood, where the nights are long and the days can feel strangely isolating, finding a brand that doesn't just sell a product, but actually holds you, is a rare find. That is exactly what Shannon McLaughlin did when she sat at her kitchen table in 2015 and decided to change the way South African moms move through the world. read more »

We all know the feeling: the momentary guilt as you toss a small piece of fabric, a thread, or an offcut into the bin. In the massive, waste-heavy world of fashion, those small scraps quickly turn into a monumental problem for our planet. But what if a proudly South African fashion brand was founded on the idea that every little bit of fabric is precious? read more »

We all know the feeling: the desire to wear clothes that are not just beautiful, but that tell a story and carry a positive purpose. In the fast-moving world of fashion, it can feel impossible to find genuine impact woven into the very fabric of a garment. read more »

We all know the feeling: the monthly dash to the store, the endless cost, the environmental guilt of disposable period products, and the persistent shame that still surrounds menstruation. Periods are a natural part of life, yet for too many, they remain a source of stress, expense, and barrier to daily freedom. But what if your period care routine could be a force for positive change? read more »