About Malaki
At Malaki Second Chances, we enjoy the stories that come with each item we receive, valuing the many lives of a dress or jacket as it changes hands between owners. Our store is more than a place to find unique preloved fashion and vintage treasures; it’s a place where you can explore your own creativity and give free reign to your personal style in a sustainable and meaningful way.
Our Beginnings
Founded a decade ago by Sulinda Muller, Malaki Second Chances was born from a vision to combine fashion with philanthropy. Sulinda’s journey began with a simple yet profound idea: to raise funds to support women in need by selling carefully curated second-hand clothing and vintage finds. Her goal was to create a space where fashion and compassion intersect, offering stylish choices while making a meaningful impact. Created during a time when she was confronted with her own journey of healing with her son at the time diagnosed with Leukemia, she spent many hours with others going through similar experiences with restricted resources.
Sulinda’s passion for creativity and her dedication to helping other moms and wives led to the creation of Malaki Second Chances. Inspired by the concept of giving clothes — and lives — a second chance, she opened our store in central Stellenbosch. What started as a small venture has grown into a vibrant community hub, enriched with found objects like charming bird nests and vintage decor that creates a charming shopping experience.
Meet Our Team
At the heart of Malaki is a passionate trio of women, each driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful difference. Together, we are united in our commitment to bring beauty, joy, and hope to women everywhere. We believe in the power of shared stories, the strength of lifting one another, and the transformative impact of using what we have to create something beautiful.
Our journey is one of personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of a brighter, more compassionate future. Every step we take is fueled by a love for others and a determination to empower women, not only through products but through connection, courage, and the celebration of personal victories over hardship.
Each member of our team brings her own unique story and purpose to the Malaki mission:
Sulinda Muller
Founder
Claire Arnolds
Store Manager & Customer Service
Moira Lackay
Entrepreneur & Malaki Ambassador
Marietjie Wegener
Store Manager & Operations Lead
Claire Arnolds
Store Manager and Customer Service
Claire’s journey with Malaki began in 2014 when she joined founder Sulinda at The Woodmill in Stellenbosch. Her love for the business and the beautiful vision behind Malaki kept her committed as the brand moved to town, and when the pandemic hit, Claire reconnected with Sulinda to help rebuild and breathe new life into the Malaki store.
Known for her soft, friendly nature, Claire is the lifeblood of Malaki’s daily operations. She brings a warm energy to the store, making it a space where women feel welcomed and inspired. Her passion for detail is unmatched, ensuring that every aspect of the shop—from the layout to the customer experience—is aligned with Malaki’s higher purpose. Whether she’s meticulously organizing stock, creating a welcoming atmosphere, or ensuring the store runs smoothly, Claire works tirelessly to keep the spirit of Malaki alive and thriving.
Her dedication to excellence, and her deep commitment to doing things the right way, reflect her belief in Malaki’s mission to uplift women. With Claire at the helm of operations, Malaki is not just a store—it’s a place of inspiration, joy, and connection.
Moira Lackay
Entrepreneur & Malaki Ambassador
Moira’s story is the heart and soul of what Malaki represents—second chances, growth, and empowerment. When Moira first joined Malaki, she was unemployed and took on the role of a cleaner. It was while she was working in the store that something inside her changed. As she cleaned the shop, Moira’s heart was stirred with a dream: one day, she too wanted to run a store just like Malaki in her own community.
Recognizing Moira’s ambition and determination, Sulinda saw an opportunity for collaboration that would not only support Moira’s dream but also help grow Malaki’s vision. The idea of working together led to a win-win partnership: as Malaki’s stock levels grew, certain products were moved to Moira’s community in Jamestown, where she took on the management of a shop that became a place of connection and possibility. The partnership is a beautiful expression of Malaki’s values—collaboration on equal footing and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. A portion of the profits from her shop are reinvested back into Malaki, ensuring that both communities grow and thrive together.
Moira has embraced the opportunity with dedication and passion, establishing herself as an entrepreneur in her community. Her entrepreneurial journey has even led to a radio interview, where she shared her story and inspired others. Through that interview, a new Malaki connection was made with a listener in Khayelitsha, extending the ripple effect of collaboration and connection even further.
Moira’s story is a testament to the power of second chances, community support, and the transformative impact of following your dreams—proof that when you believe in yourself, anything is possible.
Marietjie Wegener
Store Manager and Operations Lead
Marietjie’s journey with Malaki Second Chances began in 2017 as a simple gesture of friendship when she teamed up with Sulinda, the founder. What started as a casual helping hand blossomed into a remarkable partnership, and today, Marietjie is an integral part of the Malaki team.
With an exceptional eye for detail and a natural ability to organize, Marietjie is pivotal in bringing structure and style to the shop. Whether it’s creating systems to streamline operations, styling the store to perfection, or supporting Claire with day-to-day tasks, Marietjie’s contributions are invaluable.
Her creativity doesn’t stop there – she has a special touch when arranging flowers and plants, adding a personal, thoughtful element to the shop’s atmosphere. Marietjie truly understands the power of second chances, and she’s not only the team leader when Sulinda needs support but also a true champion of the spirit that Malaki represents.
By choosing Malaki Second Chances, you’re not just purchasing clothing; you’re supporting a cause that uplifts and empowers women.
Every item in our store, from preloved garments to upcycled creations, is selected with care. We honor each piece’s history while reimagining its future. Our commitment to sustainability and creativity shines through in every corner of our store, where each garment carries its own unique narrative.