Pilani Bubu is a TV Presenter, Interior Stylist, Singer-Songwriter, Creative Entrepreneur and Creative Lifestyle Activist, as she likes to call herself.

Pilani believes that “The world would be a better place if we all did more of what we are passionate about”. In the pursuit of her passion, she gave up her work in corporate South Africa to obtain an Interior Decorating Certificate at Inscape Design College.

After completing her studies she went on to start her own business decorating small apartments, homes, restaurants, boutique hotels and office spaces. With a niche in strategic brand design & positioning, Pilani now works more closely with businesses and commercial spaces to bring their internal brands to life in various spaces, conceptual exhibitions and events. With her business partners at CollaboNative and in Partnership with Room 13 Design, she also owns two Homeware Accessories Collections  called Madiba The Dreamer and The African Dreamer.

Pilani is the presenter of the TV show, “Design For You” on The Home Channel DSTV Channel 176. Now in its fourth season, the show continues to explore endless opportunities in design.

Before becoming a creative entrepreneur, Pilani worked in the Marketing & Creative Industries for ten years and has a degree in BComm: Law, Marketing & Business Management from the University Of Pretoria, with a certificate in Marketing Research Principles from Georgia University.

She’s passionate about empowering people in any way or form. Her enthusiasm for empathetic design is a big part of it.

“Spaces should do more for your lifestyle, even beyond aesthetics, spaces should be authentically & functionally designed for you”, says Pilani.

Elle Franco

Elle Franco

Having previously been one of our judges and having presented demonstrations at HOMEMAKERS Expo, Elle is no stranger to the show.

Elle is a TV presenter, Voice over artist and Producer, who has a natural compelling passion for all things DIY. For the last 5 years Elle has created many home DIY projects and is enthusiastic about sharing these “how to” projects with others across many different platforms.

Elle’s DIY content is regularly shared on her social media accounts and YouTube channel “DIY with Elle”. Elle has also taken her love for DIY to radio shows, TV shows on has featured on the Home Channel DStv channel 176.

Elle believes that the DIY industry is growing fast and has its own unique content and followers – just like that of the food or fashion industries. For Elle, DIY or Do It yourself, is not just a creative and challenging activity or hobby to take part in, but it is a great attitude to have as well.

Michael Porter

Michael Porter

Michael Porter is the Executive Producer of The Home Channel on DStv channel 176.

After beginning a degree in interior design at Pretoria Technicon, Michael realised that he was more an admirer of design than a designer himself.

Discovering a passion for television production, he subsequently completed a degree at the University of Johannesburg and was lucky enough to land an intern position at The Home Channel. This allowed him the opportunity to create television content which brought his passion to life on screen.

Over the years Michael has left and returned to The Home Channel a few times and now heads up a team of producers who share in the joys of all things house and home.

These days, one of the best parts of his job is being exposed to the amazing array of brilliant work being created by South African designers who continue to raise the bar, creating incredible spaces, and products, that are truly world class.

See our brilliant exhibitors for yourself at Pretoria HOMEMAKERS Expo from 24 – 26 May at Sun Arena, Time Square. Buy your tickets here.