About the studio

I'm Andrea — a daughter, sister, mother, and friend.

A woman who understands what it means to juggle life's demands while still trying to grow, dream, and stay grounded in who you are.

Andrea Benninghoff, founder of AC Doughworks
Andrea Benninghoff · Founder

AC Doughworks was created during a time when I was craving more clarity, more calm, and more control over my day-to-day. Life was full — sometimes overwhelming — and I needed tools that could bring focus and flow without adding more pressure.

I've always believed in the power of putting pen to paper, creating space to breathe, and finding beauty in the process of becoming. Through structure, creativity, and intention, I began designing tools that helped me reconnect with myself — and now, I share them with others.

The in-between. The moments where everything feels too heavy — and you need something beautiful and steady to hold onto.

I design planners, journals, and creative tools not just to organise your life — but to help you reclaim it. I create with a deep passion for helping women remember their strength, rebuild their focus, and become the best version of themselves — gently, intentionally, and powerfully.

My work is rooted in empathy, structure, and the belief that discipline can be a form of self-love. Each product is made to serve the woman who's doing her best, quietly fighting her battles, and still choosing to grow.

If you're in a season of starting over — or simply trying to stay steady — welcome. You are not alone. This is for the daughters, the sisters, the mothers, and the friends. This is for you.

— Andrea

The studio, briefly

Founded by
Andrea Benninghoff
Based in
Pretoria, Gauteng
Works with
Small businesses across South Africa
Packages from
R2 500
Planners from
R24
Work with me

How the two halves fit

One studio, two kinds of work.

For businesses

Brand and marketing packages — a logo you own, a month of social content already written, the documents that make a small business read as a serious one, and a 90-day plan so the momentum survives launch week.

See the packages

For people

Digital planners, journals and printables — the tools this studio started with, still designed for the ordinary weeks when everything is a bit much and structure is the kindest thing available.

Browse the shop

Proof

What people say

  • I honestly didn't expect a journal to change my whole routine, but AC Doughworks just gets it. As a working mom, the structure and simplicity helped me breathe again. It's not just paper — it's peace of mind.

    Zanele Mokoena

  • Solid quality, locally inspired, and really well thought-out. Great for planning business goals and family life. Highly recommend for anyone who is tired of feeling all over the place.

    Jaco van der Merwe

  • The journal arrived quickly and it's just gorgeous. It's feminine but powerful — exactly how I want to feel starting each day. You can see it was made with heart.

    Chantelle Naidoo

  • The layout is clean, the packaging was beautiful, and the intention behind each page really comes through. As a student juggling a lot, this gave me direction.

    Themba Dlamini

  • This is more than stationery. From the design to the feel of the pages, everything is calming. I have started journaling daily again and my mind feels lighter.

    Ayesha Mohamed

  • What a gem. I wasn't sure if journaling was my thing, but this actually made me look forward to planning my day. Proudly South African, too.

    Sipho Khumalo

Say hello

Tell me what you're building.

Whether it's a business that needs to look the part or a season that needs a bit of structure — start with a note.