Mervyn Gers on Life in Cape Town
Mervyn Gers Ceramics, renowned internationally for its unique ceramic pieces and handmade
dinnerware, embodies the essence of function, soul, and style, all crafted in Cape Town with a
rebellious yet enduring spirit. At the helm of this home-grown brand is Creative Director Mervyn Gers.
“I established the company in Paarden Island in 2011 with a team of just eight. Today, we have over 50 employees and offer a diverse range of products and finishes. Our commitment lies in local job creation and the art of handcrafting, from mixing clays in-house to developing distinctive glazes over the years” he explains.
He grew up in Danielskuil, a small town bordering the Kalahari Desert in the Northern Cape. “My family owned the general dealer as well as a hotel in the town. After school, I completed a BA degree in Communication and then moved to Cape Town, wanting to study drama at UCT. I soon realised it wasn’t for me and started working at a PR company, followed by a graphic design company. I was then head hunted to join the then Radio Kontrei, now known as Kfm, as programme and station manager, followed by a stint as marketing director once the station was sold by the SABC. During these years I took pottery to feed my creative side.” Prior to making a living from ceramics, he used to flip houses. “I thoroughly enjoyed buying, renovating, and selling again. There is a DIY-enthusiast in me and probably always will be,” he explains.
Never seen without his three beloved dogs, Gers enjoys an early morning swim most mornings in the ocean, winter, and summer. “I want to live a healthy, purposeful, and full life. Life isn’t always easy. It calls for commitment and perseverance. You have to take each day by the horns and make the most of it! I’m fortunate in that I’ve always had a creative, independent spirit. It has helped me a lot over the years. It’s important to me to be surrounded by my loved ones, including my dogs. I also enjoy being fit and eating healthy foods.”Looking ahead, Gers envisions expanding into bespoke décor items, drawing inspiration from the vast landscapes of the Kalahari and Namibia. "I'm proud of our sustainable, job-creating company.
My dream is to secure employment for our staff's future, ensuring continuity beyond my tenure," he concludes.
Mervyn Gers Ceramics is proud to sponsor season five of MasterChef South Africa.
For more information, visit www.mervyngers.com, 4A Dorsetshire Street, Paarden Eiland or call 021 510 2385.
Follow Mervyn Gers Ceramics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mervyngers or Instagram: Mervyn_Gers_Ceramics.