Art Powered By Passion: Meet Hilde Alet Malan

As a brand that has long been inspired by hard work and innovation, we have strived to create the type of footwear that will help these individuals move the earth, whether that be through industrial innovation, community empowerment, or artistic expression.

Throughout the years, we’ve had the pleasure of spotlighting various individuals who continue to inspire our brand - and this month, we’re presenting yet another inspirational individual.

In honour of Women’s Month in South Africa, we’ve decided to chat with a remarkable artist, Hilde Alet Malan.

With a passion for her craft and a journey that has had many ups and downs, turns, and detours, today, she is best known for her incredible line art pieces.

Read on to learn more about her journey, what inspires her, and what advice she has to offer others who are pursuing their dreams.

Finding The Magic Inside Of You: Hilde’s Journey As An Artist

1. Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an artist—where did it all begin for you?

I grew up in a small town in the Eastern Cape, called Patensie. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved creating, whether it be drawing, painting, building things and the like. Art wasn’t just a hobby; it was part of who I was.

We were a big family, and I’ll never forget how my granddad would often pick my drawings to hang on his wall — that small gesture made a big impact. I took art throughout school, and also did technical drawing in high school, which I believe helped develop my understanding of structure and form.

After matric, I applied to study graphic design at Stellenbosch University. It was extremely competitive — they only accepted about 25 to 30 candidates — so getting in felt like a huge achievement. But within the first few days, I realised it wasn’t where my heart was. I called my mom and said, “This isn’t going to work for me. I need to study fine arts.” Thankfully, the departments were in the same building, making it easy to transfer. I completed my four-year degree in Fine Arts, and afterwards, I did a postgraduate certificate in education.

I taught for two years, and during that time, I also completed diplomas in marketing management and bookkeeping. I’ve always loved entrepreneurship — even as a child, I was always making things and selling them. My mom was also an entrepreneur, and I definitely inherited that mindset from her!

After teaching, my mom became very ill and asked if I could help on the farm. She didn’t ask me to take over, just to assist. I stepped in as the production manager for cucumbers on our citrus and cucumber farm. I managed around 80 people and helped supply South Africa’s major supermarket chains.

I truly loved farming, especially the people. I loved motivating them, inspiring them, and building relationships. It was meaningful work, and leaving it was not an easy decision.

Throughout all those years, art remained a constant. I was always creating in the background — painting after work, selling my art online, dreaming of something more.

Ten years ago, when my mom passed away, it deeply shifted my perspective. Shortly after, my brother and I went on a trip to Greece. One day, our tour guide asked everyone, “What’s your biggest dream?” Without hesitation, I answered: “To have my own art studio.”

That moment stuck with me. When I returned home, I kept thinking: life is short. My mom passed away at just 57, but she followed her dreams — and I wanted to do the same. She inspired me to take a big leap of faith.

So, I built my first art studio on the farm where I still live and work today. I began sharing my work on Instagram and Facebook, and slowly, my art business began to grow.

In 2019, I made a huge leap: I transitioned from full-time farming to half-farmer, half-artist. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made — giving up a stable, fulfilling job to build something from scratch. But by the end of that year, I couldn’t keep up with both.

So I chose art. I chose my dream.

And I haven’t looked back since.

The Inspiration That Drives The Artist

2. Your work carries such an emotive energy - can you take us through your process and inspiration?

So much of my inspiration comes from travel. Some of the biggest creative ideas — and even life decisions — have come to me while I was away from home. Travelling opens up my mind, helps me reflect, and gives me the space to see the bigger picture. It draws me closer to God and reconnects me to what really matters.

I’m also inspired by people and their stories. My husband and I both love people — he’s a farmer and a musician, so music is a big part of our lives too. We have two beautiful sons who constantly remind me of the beauty in the everyday. I’m deeply drawn to stories of entrepreneurship, resilience, and purpose — seeing what others have built through passion and hard work really motivates me.

I also get inspired through books and podcasts. I’m honestly a bit addicted to listening to audiobooks while I draw or paint. It transports me to another world, expands my mind, and helps me stay focused while the creative part of me takes over. I love autobiographies and beautiful, meaningful stories — they ground me and uplift me all at once. It’s a way to connect deeply to both the artwork and the inner life at the same time.

And of course, nature plays a big role. Walking outdoors, even if I don’t always get to do it as much as I’d like, has a calming and grounding effect. The textures, the colours, the stillness — it all quietly finds its way into my work.

My biggest passion — and the motto that runs through everything I create — is “creating to inspire.” Every artwork holds a deeper meaning. My hope is that wherever a piece ends up, it inspires others to pause, to feel, and to become more of who they truly are.

I work mostly with acrylic ink, acrylic paint, and oil paint — often on wooden canvases, which I love. The solid surface supports my style, which brings together both drawing and painting. That combination allows me to balance softness and strength, structure and emotion — and that’s where I feel the soul of my work really comes through.

Building More Than A Career

3. As a woman in the South African creative space, what challenges have you faced—and what has kept you going?

I must say, I was raised by a mother who never stood back from anything. She and my dad bought a farm together, and while they built it side by side, my mom played a massive role in its success. She started the cucumber side of the business — she put up the first three tunnels herself — and over the years, it grew into something really big. Even though she passed away ten years ago, her impact is still felt in everything we do on the farm.

She never let it stop her that she was a woman working in what many would call a man’s world. She showed me that it’s possible to lead, to build something meaningful, and to do it all while being true to who you are. Because of her, I’ve always believed that I could become anything I set my mind to.

My best friend, Silke Rathbone, has also been a huge inspiration in my life. She’s a strong, successful businesswoman who always encouraged me to believe in myself, to follow my heart, and to work hard to live out my passion.

Of course, being a woman in any space — especially one where you’re building your own path — comes with challenges. But, I believe we’re living in a new era, where women don’t have to stand back. We can run businesses, raise families, be artists, be leaders, and create lives that reflect who we truly are.

What’s kept me going is the deep passion I have for creating, for building something meaningful, and for inspiring others, especially other women. I want to be part of a movement that shows it’s possible to live your dream, even if it’s unconventional.

We can write our own story — and we don’t need permission to do it.

4. In honour of National Women's Day, what advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a career in the arts?

My biggest advice would be: practice, practice, practice — and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You are capable of doing what’s in your heart. If there’s a dream inside you, it’s there for a reason.

Believe in yourself. Motivate yourself. Do the things that make you feel like the best version of who you are. These days, we’re so lucky to have access to endless inspiration through YouTube videos, podcasts, books, and the stories of entrepreneurs and creatives who’ve gone before us. Learn from them. Educate yourself — not just as an artist, but as a businesswoman, too. Build your dream from the inside out.

And always remember this:

We all have magic inside of us.

Every single person carries something unique and powerful — a gift that no one else has in quite the same way. It’s our responsibility to nurture that magic, to believe in it, and to use it to make something meaningful in the world. Whatever your magic looks like, use it. Create with it. Share it. And let it make the world a better place.

Don’t ever believe you can’t do something just because you’re a woman. Women are strong — strong enough to lead, to create, to succeed, and to rise in spaces where we were once told to stay small.

One of my biggest dreams — not just for women, but also for my sons — is for them to see that I became a full-time South African artist, selling my work all over the world, because I followed my passion, worked hard, and believed in my calling.

I want them to know that if you’re passionate, determined, and true to yourself, you can do anything.

5. If your artistic journey were a pair of shoes, what kind would they be—and why?

Definitely boots — no question! They’re comfortable, versatile, and they can take you just about anywhere, which is exactly what my creative journey has felt like. I love pairing boots with stockings or dresses, and I’ve always been drawn to pieces that are a little bit different and a little, bold — just like my art.

I’m also a bit of a fashion addict, to be honest! Last year, I built myself a walk-in closet, and shoes have always been my thing, especially boots.

That’s why I’m so excited to be working with Cat for this interview. Their cowboy-style boots are not only super cool, but they fit my lifestyle perfectly — both in the studio and out on the farm. Stylish, strong, and built to go the distance — just like any good artist’s journey.

6. Our motto for this year at Cat Footwear is to break new ground - can you comment on how you relate to this or what this means for you and your craft?

Break New Ground really resonates with me because as an artist, I’m constantly pushing myself to explore new ideas, try new techniques, and create work that feels fresh, meaningful, and transformative. I never want to stay in the same place creatively — I’m always thinking, how can I do this differently? How can I grow?

My goal is to create art that inspires and moves people, and to keep evolving both as a person and as a creative. I believe that growth doesn’t happen by staying comfortable — it comes from challenging yourself, thinking outside the box, and staying open to change.

I have a vision board in my room where I write down my goals, my dreams, and the changes I want to make — in my art, in my life, and in how I show up every day. It’s a way of keeping myself motivated and grounded in where I’m heading.

For me, breaking new ground means never settling, always being open to reinvention, and letting your passion lead you somewhere new, again and again.

7. Finally, can you tell us how you are enjoying your Cat Footwear and Apparel?

I’m absolutely loving my Cat boots — they’re not only beautiful and stylish, but also super comfortable. I wear them all the time, even in my art studio, where comfort really matters.

The denim jacket and maxi skirt are just as amazing — soft, relaxed, and perfect for creative days. Sometimes I worry about getting paint on them… but hey, that’s part of being an artist! A little paint just adds character, right?

What I love most is that the pieces are practical, comfy, and still feel cool and expressive, just like the kind of life I want to live and the kind of art I want to make.

Find The Magic Inside Yourself And Nurture It

Hilde’s journey is one filled with hard work, bold steps, and an unwavering passion for her craft. And, it is this passion for her craft that has allowed her to truly break new ground!

At Cat Footwear, we believe in walking that path with strength, style, and purpose — and we’re proud to walk alongside women like Hilde who are doing just that.

Want to keep up with Hilde’s work? Visit her website and social media channels.