About Baobab

Hi, I’m Zantel du Toit — and ever since I can remember, I’ve dreamed of opening a South African-style padstal — a cozy, heartfelt little place that feels like home and tugs at the heartstrings of every sentimental shopper.

Baobab began with nothing more than a dream (and a serious love for South Africa and the beautiful things that come from there). With no budget but a heart full of passion, I reached out to other South African shops across Canada, soaked up advice like a sponge, and rolled up my sleeves to launch a tiny on-demand online store.

From the beginning, Baobab wasn’t just about selling things — it was about creating real connections with vendors, entrepreneurs, and customers who got it. Who knew that a packet of NikNaks or a piece of biltong could mean so much when you're far from home?

At Baobab, we’re rooted in strong values:
💛 Be honest
🤝 Build each other up
🌸 Face challenges with kindness
😊 Deliver service that makes people smile

In 2023, Baobab took its biggest leap yet — we opened our very first physical store in Lethbridge, Alberta! With a shoestring budget and a whole lot of heart, we used recycled wood, dragged furniture out of our home, and did it all ourselves. And the result? Pure magic.

The shop came alive with warm conversations, sokkie music playing, the smell of boerewors rolls in the air — and customers saying it felt like stepping back into South Africa. That meant everything to me.

Then came a twist in our journey: our family was off to New Zealand. But Baobab wasn’t something I could just leave behind. Instead of closing, we moved the business to Calgary and brought in a manager to keep the heartbeat of Baobab going strong. The store flourished — bigger, bolder, and still full of heart.

But Baobab is more than a shop. It’s my voice, my vision, my soul. And over time, I realized I couldn’t keep Baobab alive in the way I wanted by stepping back. So we made a big decision.

We closed the Calgary store and returned to where it all began: online.

Now, we're reimagining Baobab with a stronger online presence, serving our amazing community in Canada and the USA — and expanding into New Zealand and soon, South Africa. 

Because no matter where we go, our mission stays the same:
To bring a little piece of home closer to South Africans everywhere — whether you’re a shopper or a fellow dreamer.

Baobab is growing. And the journey is just getting started.
Thank you for being part of it. 💛