Empowering Creativity: Meet the Winners of the BRIGHTS Women in DIY Excellence Awards

There’s something magical about transforming old, unwanted, everyday items, or ordinary dilapidated spaces into something extraordinary with your own two hands.

Whether it’s upcycling an old piece of furniture into a work of art, or a DIY renovation that turns a house into a home, DIY projects allow creativity to shine and leave a lasting impact. This is exactly what the BRIGHTS Women in DIY Excellence Awards set out to celebrate.

“After weeks of excitement and incredible entries from all over South Africa, two women have been selected as this year’s standout winners. Their projects have inspired us all with their passion, skill, and commitment to making the world around them a more beautiful, functional, and sustainable place,” says Orlando Luis, CEO of BRIGHTS Hardware.

Crafting Art from the Everyday

The first winner, Sheri Omoh, shone in the Outstanding DIY Home Décor and Artistic Projects category. Sheri is not only a talented woodworker but also a wife, mother, grandmother, and a woman deeply rooted in her faith. Her DIY journey began with a passion for creating beautiful, artistic pieces, and over time, it has evolved into a thriving business that reflects her creativity and craftsmanship.

Sheri’s portfolio is a testament to her boundless creativity and vision. From stunning handcrafted furniture that turns reclaimed wood into one-of-a-kind pieces to artistic home décor that breathes new life into every room, her work stands out for its artistry and originality. Each project tells a story, where ordinary materials are transformed into extraordinary masterpieces. Whether she’s crafting a rustic dining table or designing a custom wall piece, Sheri’s meticulous attention to detail and innate ability to blend function with beauty has made her a true standout in the world of DIY.

“What made her work so impressive wasn’t just the technical skill but the love and care she pours into each piece,” explains Luis. “Sheri has the unique ability to take everyday materials and transform them into beautiful, functional works of art, all while balancing the roles of wife, mother, and business owner.”

“When I first started working with wood, I had no idea it would turn into something so meaningful, not only for me but for those around me,” Sheri shares. “Every piece I create is a reflection of my passion for turning ordinary spaces into something special.”

The judges were particularly impressed by Sheri’s ability to consistently produce high-quality, creative work that balances functionality with beauty. Her woodworking skills are as inspiring as her dedication to growing her craft. Whether she’s designing a custom table or crafting bespoke décor pieces, Sheri’s work is a testament to her artistic vision and commitment to excellence.

Her journey has garnered attention beyond her immediate community, with followers on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok appreciating the craftsmanship and passion she pours into each project.

Sustainability Meets Creativity

In the Best Eco-Friendly Sustainability, Upcycling & Restoration category, Matshidisho Monethi, popularly known as Tshidi, captured the judges’ attention with her lifelong passion for transforming discarded materials into something beautiful and useful. Hailing from the Diamond City of Kimberley, Tshidi’s love for restoring, repurposing, and upcycling began at a young age, where she found joy in bringing new life to old items.

“Her project portfolio is nothing short of inspiring, filled with pieces that turn what others may see as waste into stunning and practical furniture and décor. From heirlooms like her grandmother’s old sewing machine table, which she lovingly restored with coordinated hues of charcoal, grey, and cream, to a dark brown, unappealing cabinet inherited from her aunt, which she transformed into a bright and stylish storage piece, Tshidi’s work is a celebration of creativity and sustainability,” says Luis.

“I do not let anything go to waste,” Tshidi explains. “I restore, reuse, and repurpose, finding psychological completeness and joy in creating something new out of the old.”
Her love for furniture restoration and upcycling has grown over the years, with Tshidi continuously honing her skills by attending workshops, following industry trends, and experimenting with different techniques. Her dedication to a greener environment is evident in everything she does—from repurposing empty paint jars as kitchen storage to turning discarded furniture into stunning new designs that adorn her home.

The judges were particularly impressed by her ability to transform forgotten and neglected items into cherished and functional pieces of art. Tshidi’s creative vision and commitment to sustainability have turned her work into more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle that promotes an eco-friendlier way of living.

A Celebration of Women in DIY

Both extraordinary women will receive a R 5000 BRIGHTS voucher and a R5 000 product hamper to continue fuelling their DIY journeys. But more than that, they’ve earned the admiration of fellow DIY enthusiasts, the BRIGHTS community, and all those who’ve followed their work.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the winners,” says Luis. “Their passion, hard work, and innovation have truly shone through, and they’ve proven that DIY is not just a hobby—it’s a way of life. We’re excited to see what projects they take on next.”

“DIY has always been about more than just building or fixing—it’s about creating something personal and meaningful. Sheri Omoh and Matshidisho Monethi have shown us all what’s possible when you blend creativity with skill, and we can’t wait to follow their inspiring journeys as they continue to create, innovate, and empower others.”