Meet Mianke, our vibrant and energetic 11-year-old artist whose journey has inspired the very essence of Mimi & Me. Diagnosed at the young age of 7 with Stargardt disease, a rare form of juvenile macular degeneration, Mianke has faced challenges that many her age cannot begin to comprehend.
Stargardt disease affects approximately 1 in 8,000 individuals, leading to progressive vision loss and impacting the central vision, which is crucial for activities like reading and recognizing faces. Yet, despite these obstacles, Mianke has emerged as a beacon of creativity and resilience, using her artistic talents to express herself in ways that words sometimes cannot.
The emotional journey of being diagnosed with such a rare eye condition is profound. For Mianke, it meant learning to navigate a world that often feels overwhelming.
However, rather than allowing her visual impairment to define her, she has embraced her differences, channeling her feelings into her art. Each brushstroke is a testament to her courage, creativity, and determination, as she transforms challenges into vibrant expressions of who she is.
Through her work at Mimi & Me, Mianke not only crafts unique, hand-painted designs but also sends a powerful message to others: it’s okay to be different. Her artwork embodies the spirit of our brand— encouraging everyone to celebrate their uniqueness and embrace life boldly. Join us in celebrating Mianke’s journey and the incredible strength she embodies. Together, we can inspire others to live loudly, love passionately, and dare to be different!
Mimi & Me began as a mother’s small, fierce promise: to create a world where my daughter’s difference is celebrated, not hidden.
I’m a mom named Monette du Plooy, and my beautiful daughter Mianke — who is visually impaired — taught me how powerful it is to live loudly and lovingly when the world expects quiet. Each time I pick up a brush or thread a needle,
I’m stitching hope into a practical, wearable piece of art.
Our studio pieces are handcrafted, vibrant, and deliberately imperfect — because real life is full of color, texture, emotion, and faith. Every canvas, bag and accessory carries a story: doubts faced, dreams pursued and the small moments of grace that change everything. We believe being different is a gift, not a limitation. Our slogan,
“Dare to Be Different,”
isn’t just a tagline — it’s a call to action. Wear your color. Tell your story. Let your difference be your strength.
This brand is fuelled by faith, resilience and a prayer: that these creations become bridges — connecting people, inspiring conversations and building a future for Mianke. We’re a small heart with big dreams, and we invite you to be part of this journey: to choose pieces that spark joy, to support ethical craftsmanship, and to stand with us as we celebrate every shade of difference.
