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My Journey

Writer's picture: Greg PretoriusGreg Pretorius



My Story: A Journey of Passion and Purpose


Hello, my name is Greg Pretorius, and this is my story—a story of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Born on 25 December 1988, I grew up in the beautiful province of Gauteng, surrounded by the energy and creativity that would one day shape my journey. From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of creating something out of nothing. I still vividly remember those weekends in my father’s garage at the age of 15, tinkering with pallet wood and a few mechanical tools, figuring out how to screw pieces of wood together to build simple, functional furniture.


At the time, I didn’t realize it, but those moments were planting the seed of what would become my life’s passion. The feeling of taking raw materials and transforming them into something meaningful gave me a sense of freedom and creativity that I couldn’t find anywhere else. I felt unstoppable, and though I didn’t fully understand it then, I now know that’s when the spark was lit—a spark that would grow into the flame that fuels me today.


A Journey of Discovery


It started slowly. I would share my creations on Facebook, family and friends began to take notice. They reached out, asking me to build pieces for their homes, and I was more than happy to oblige. With each project, my skills grew, and so did my passion for woodworking.


After finishing school in 2006, I entered the workforce, joining one of South Africa’s largest ceiling and drywall companies. Life took me to Durban in 2008 to 2010, where I worked on the King Shaka International Airport project. It was here that I met a good friend, Grant Powell, a brilliant designer with a knack for bringing unique ideas to life. Visiting Grant’s home was always an experience—his furniture wasn’t something you could find in a store. Each piece was custom-designed, reflecting his creativity and individuality.


This was a turning point for me. For the first time, I realized that furniture could be so much more than functional. It could be personal. It could be art. That realization unlocked something inside me—a desire to create furniture that wasn’t just practical but also deeply meaningful.


The Leap of Faith


In 2012, I took a leap of faith and started my own construction company. For years, the business grew, and I was blessed with incredible opportunities. But in 2020, the pandemic turned the world upside down. Like so many others, I faced challenges I never saw coming. The construction industry was hit hard, and I had to make the heartbreaking decision to close my company. It was one of the darkest periods of my life, and I found myself questioning everything.


But as the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining. During the first hard lockdown, I decided to channel my energy into something positive. With nothing more than my cellphone, a GoPro, and a little determination, I started a DIY YouTube channel, sharing simple projects I was doing around the house. I converted my garage into a tiny studio workshop, and before long, people began noticing my work. Local Facebook groups picked up my videos, and soon, I was receiving orders for custom furniture.


The Birth of a Dream


What started as a few small orders quickly snowballed into something bigger. My garage couldn’t keep up with the demand, and the late-night sounds of tools and machinery weren’t exactly popular with my neighbors. So, I rented a small workshop, and that’s when everything began to change.


In mid-2020, Craft House was born—a small business dedicated to creating unique, custom furniture. We started small, taking baby steps, but with each project, we grew stronger. By 2024, I realized it was time for a change. Our work had evolved into something more than furniture; it was art. Inspired by the greats like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who signed their masterpieces with their names, I decided to rebrand the business to Greg Pretorius Bespoke Furniture. This wasn’t just a business—it was a reflection of who I am, my values, and my passion for creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces.


Where We Are Today


Today, Greg Pretorius Bespoke Furniture is more than just a company. It’s a journey of passion, resilience, and purpose. Every piece we create tells a story—your story. Whether it’s a handcrafted dining table, a unique epoxy coffee table, or a custom console table, we pour our heart and soul into every detail, ensuring it’s as unique as the person it’s made for.


We work with the finest materials, including wood, steel, and epoxy resin, to craft furniture that’s not just beautiful but also built to last. Whether you’re furnishing your home, office, or corporate space, our mission is to bring your vision to life, tailored to your exact specifications.


As we look to the future, I can’t help but feel excited about the journey that lies ahead. I’m grateful for the clients who have trusted us to bring their dreams to life and the incredible relationships we’ve built along the way.


This is my story, but it’s also yours. Together, we’re creating something extraordinary.


If you’ve made it this far, thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s create something beautiful together.

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