Lies Deneys-Copeland

Was born on the 20th of August 1977 in Ninove, Belgium. Raised in the countryside she became very aware of the environment and nature’s beauty. Living near to the multicultural city of Brussels, she also learned to appreciate a diverse spectrum of cultures, people and arts.

Art and culture were always of great importance to Lies as she grew up and she expressed herself in drama and later in sculpting. After high school she enrolled at the department of sculpting of the National Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp. In search of another form of intellectual stimulation she ended up studying Political Sciences at the University of Ghent. She obtained her Masters Degree in 2001, after completing her thesis on the South African post-apartheid educational system.

Shortly after arriving to South Africa at the end of 2000 to research her thesis she met her husband, Matthew Copeland. He is currently the Head Winemaker at Welbedacht Wines, Wellington. Together with him she became involved in wine trading. Today Lies is still operational as a wine consultant and wine export adviser.

Lies Deneys-Copeland is the woman behind TRABA. She develops and produces the products for TRABA foods and SAVON. TRABA art wear is created by Lies and the designs and production is managed by Elske Rigthford.