Where Every Jar Tells a Story of Home

“I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail.” – ABBA

A timeless classic, I Have a Dream speaks to hope, resilience, and the beauty of dreaming even in the face of
challenges. At Zoesj, we are inspired by these values as we pour heart and soul into every jar, preserving more than just ingredients – we preserve stories, family traditions, and the warmth of home.

At its heart, Zoesj is built on a love for the craft of preserving, a tradition learned on a family farm near Upington, where our founder first discovered the magic of “putting love in a bottle,” just as her mother had done before her. Each of our wholesome, country-style preserves is made with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to bring you the simple, authentic flavors of home.

Our name, Zoesj, combines “Zhush” and “Joosh” – playful words that mean to add something special, to elevate, to enrich. It’s a reminder of the kitchen lessons we grew up with: “a pinch here, a handful there, and always a touch of love.”   Simply open a jar, add Zoesj to your favorite dish, or enjoy it as is – it’s crafted to brighten every bite.

Where a taste of home awaits, from our hands to your table!

Our Story

The dream of creating an industrial kitchen has always been a part of me. In
2023, a visit to India brought new clarity to that vision. Despite the
challenges of poverty, I saw people deeply fulfilled—each person, from small
stall owners to large factory workers, was living out their dreams with joy and
resilience. As my late father often said, "The poor man is not the one
without wealth, but the one without a dream." Inspired by this, I set out
to bring my own dream to life, and in early 2024, Zoesj was
born.

Starting in a humble storeroom in Blignault Park, with the help of a friend,
I built the foundation of our kitchen. Here, we focus on small-batch production
using only the freshest ingredients sourced directly from local farmers. Every
product is made without preservatives, ensuring that each bottle is filled with
the highest quality and taste.

Please enjoy the photos capturing the journey from our first days. Zoesj
is more than just a kitchen—it’s a dream brought to life, one bottle at a time.

Linda

Meet the Team

At Zoesj, our team of three brings a blend
of experience, creativity, and precision to everything we make.

Owner & Product Developer

Linda-marié le Roux

As the founder and creative force behind Zoesj, Linda combines her background as a qualified domestic science teacher with the culinary wisdom passed down from her mother. With a passion for creating new products, she meticulously tests each recipe to ensure it’s both safe and delicious.

Chef

Bianca de Vries

With over 20 years of experience in the food industry, Bianca is our taste expert. Her well-honed palate ensures that every product is as flavourful as the first batch, delivering consistent, high-quality flavours that set our products apart.

Operations & Quality Control

Monique Williams

Monique’s extensive background in the hospitality industry makes her our go-to for efficiency and precision. She manages planning, measuring, hygiene, and administrative tasks with accuracy, helping keep our kitchen running smoothly and to the highest standards.

Together, we’re dedicated to crafting the freshest, most flavourful products with care and expertise.