Mia Malherbe van Wyngaardt isn’t just your average artist. She’s a creator in every sense of the word. Whether she’s writing songs, pressing flowers, or whipping up a homemade feast, she pours her heart into everything she does.
And if you ever spot Mia Malherbe van Wyngaardt on a walk, chances are she’ll be leaving with a handful of freshly picked flowers. Because stopping to smell the roses simply isn’t enough for her.
Although she has been singing since she could talk, it took a little career detour before she finally committed to her true passion about a decade ago. Now, she’s an indie-folk singer-songwriter who’s making waves in the music scene as Just Mia.
Her biggest career moment so far was opening for the legendary UK band OMD at Marks Park, where a whopping number of 7 000 people attended. She was also the opening act for local favourites such as Jeremy Loops and Die Melktert Kommissie and performed at last year’s Innibos Festival. Plus, she placed third in the ATKV alternative music competition, Ruk & Rym, and landed the cover of Spotify’s Diep Afrikaans playlist. Not too shabby, right?
Mia’s most popular songs – Wit en Grys, Liefdeslaaf, and Here I Go Again – perfectly capture the raw beauty of life, love, and human resilience, which she stands for. As much as she loves performing, she’s just as passionate about teaching. For the past five years, she’s been giving vocal, guitar, and ukulele lessons. And her students’ enthusiasm never fails to brighten her day. For Mia, success isn’t about fame or fortune. It’s about a happy heart, a cosy home, and meaningful relationships. And she considers herself extremely lucky to have it all!
‘It’s so important for us to do the work … to truly know what we want and what we stand for. As well as finding ways to slow down and determining what makes us truly happy.’
She’s a big believer in slowing down and living intentionally, so much so that she turned it into a business and called it Quirks and Fleur. A small creative venture where she makes gorgeous keepsakes and jewellery with pressed flowers.
‘It all started when my husband Johann and I were planning our wedding three years ago and decided to make a pressed flower welcome board. As a young girl, my gran taught me how to press flowers and so, creating such a board was also a way to honour her and her beautiful influence in my life. After our wedding, I decided I wanted to take it a step further, and that’s how Quirks and Fleur was born.’
But she didn’t stop at one creative venture. Alongside her friends, Rivon Pretorius and Dory Hanekom, Mia co-founded Slow Living, The Workshop – a space dedicated to helping people reconnect with creativity. What started as a fun skill-sharing tradition among friends has now blossomed into full-fledged workshops on painting, pottery, air-dry clay, and (of course) pressed flower resin jewellery. It’s all about taking a breath, making something with your hands, and embracing the joy of creating. Because in a world that moves a little too fast, slowing down is a radical act of self-care.
When she’s not singing, pressing flowers, or hosting workshops, she is likely knee-deep in a DIY project. She considers herself a frugal girl and a sucker for a thrift store bargain, constantly filling her home with self-made and thrifted goods. She and Johann love cooking together, experimenting with new recipes, and upgrading their home in small but meaningful ways. Speaking of home, they just love sharing it with their two cats, Marceline and Livvy. Who, let’s be real, probably run the place!
‘I find so much joy in spoiling our people with good food, handmade gifts, a lot of love and a safe space where they can just be. But I’m most grateful for my husband and his unconditional love. As well as my friends and family and all the blessings I’ve received thus far. I truly have so much to be grateful for … too many to mention.’
Mia’s idea of the perfect evening consists of a cup of rooibos tea, a self-improvement podcast, and a little baking (her carrot cake is chef’s kiss). And while she’s a total people person, she also values her alone time. Let’s just say a bit of space to recharge after a social outing is necessary before doing it all over again.
For her it’s quite simple. Your life, your choice and It’s better to try and fail than not try at all. She’s constantly striving to be a better version of herself – shether in her music, her business, or just as a human in this beautifully messy world. One thing’s for sure … with her talent, creativity, and passion for life, Mia is just getting started.
Details: Follow @justmiamusic, @quirksandfleur and @slow_living_the_workshop_sa on Insta and Facebook
The Van Wyngaardt’s fave homemade mayo recipe
Mayonnaise is really easy to make at home and only takes one minute with an immersion blender. Take it from Mia, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again.
You’ll need: 5g freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 egg (at room temp); 224g canola/seed oil; 4 pinches or 2g salt; 5g Dijon/English mustard; 2 Tbsp water or 12-15g
(If a thicker consistency is preferred, use 12 grams of water)
To make: Blend everything together with a stick blender until thickened and well-mixed. Use an airtight seal jar of your choice.
