Renée Benatar, Founder and Creator of Hampers Bazaar
Renée Benatar is the Founder and Creator of Hampers Bazaar. A niche, high touch client-focused business; specialising in creating customised, bespoke hampers to suit every occasion.
Renee’s business story started with the idea of creating bespoke, stylish and accessible hampers created by hand with sustainability in mind. Using only the finest quality foods sourced from sustainably run family businesses, they can source speciality wines and novel gifts upon request.
From products to packaging to delivery, Renee strives to be as environmentally sustainable as possible and, of course, can create any hamper to suit the requirements. These include corporate gifts, celebrating a success, birthdays and anniversaries, festive season, mothers day and fathers day, and Easter! In fact, if you name the occasion, Renee and the team will arrange a personal hamper and deliver it for you!
What is your favourite social media platform?
Clubhouse, because I get to engage and speak to people all over the world about topics that are of specific interest to me.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
Having been raised in Africa, the only daughter of a unique family, my mother taught me individuality and that being different was an expression of authenticity, taste, style and refinement. My father was an incredible source of unfaltering wisdom, love, generosity and brilliance. Growing up in a home filled with art, music, history, and culture prepared me for a life in London, where I knew I could do anything. Hampers Bazaar was born out of being isolated during a global pandemic. My mother’s magical spirit, combined with my father’s business acumen, “like a caterpillar in a cocoon”, Hampers Bazaar emerged as the butterfly my father always reminded, I am.” As the Founder and Creator of Hampers Bazaar, I present to you a rare combination of all things exquisite and glamorous!
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I am passionate about creativity; I love to design something new and different, putting a completely different spin on something classic and expected, while respecting the integrity of the original concept. I delight in the unexpected, and I like to break the rules, as I believe, in creativity, there are no rules. I enjoy the versatility involved in my work. I am very detail-oriented, which I feel is the essence of a high luxury original brand. My mission is to give the recipient of my hamper an experience, an indulgence, a luxurious treat, a lifestyle. My takeaway words are that it must be high quality, chic and stylish. It must be original and exude an air of the utmost in elegance. Whilst still being contemporary and relevant.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I believe, “If you’re going to do it... go all the way and expect nothing but excellence!”
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Beauty, truth, love and music.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
My son, his sense of compassion, responsibility and perseverance, combined with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. He is gifted and engages equally with children and adults from every age group and culture. He is a most courageous young man.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
I like to be introduced; however, social media has become a prevalent way of communicating in today's world.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Exquisite communication skills. Confidence and relying heavily on my instincts.
What do you wish you had known when you started?
I wish I knew then how much fun this would be!
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
Lorenzo De Medici, also known as Lorenzo il Magnifico, an innovator, the most powerful and enthusiastic patron of the renaissance.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I love art galleries, travel, museums, music and history. Health, wellness and yoga (where is the beach?), and spiritual growth are important. Spending time with my family gives me an enormous amount of pleasure, most important!
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you been managing it?
Hampers Bazaar was born due to the global pandemic. www.hampersbazaar.com
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have several mentors, and I feel certain that I am counted as one, to many.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
You better know how to reinvent the wheel.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
A lack of strategic planning and execution are reasons for failure. To be successful, it is essential to possess tenacity, determination and a clear vision.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
May your vibes, shift the whole damn frequency of the room when you walk in!
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Cartier, Chanel, Hermes, Zara and Dior.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Success is not having to apologise, be uncompromising in your beliefs, quality and relationships. Trust your heart.
