1. Tell us about your business, what you do, and what makes your offering unique?
I run a stationery and print brand focused on creating thoughtful, creative products that people can enjoy in their everyday lives. Many of the products in my range, including notebooks, planners, sticker sheets, colouring books, and activity books, are designed and produced by me. Being directly involved in the design and production process allows me to maintain quality and experiment with new ideas, themes, and formats that customers enjoy.
In addition to the products I create, I research global stationery trends and carefully import items I believe South African consumers would love but may not easily find locally. This allows me to offer a range that combines locally made products with curated international stationery. My main customers are individuals who enjoy creative and practical stationery for journaling, planning, studying, and gifting. I also work with resellers, small businesses, schools, and organisations who need stationery in bulk or customised products for their own brands, events, or educational use.
2. What inspired you to start your business, and what was the defining moment that made you leap?
The idea for my business came from my frustration as a stationery lover. Many products were either too expensive or required large minimum orders, making them inaccessible for everyday buyers and small businesses. I also noticed that many popular international styles were hard to find in South Africa or priced far beyond what most people could afford.
With a degree in graphic design, I had the skills to start creating my own products. Over time, this evolved into the idea of building a stationery brand that combines creativity, variety, and affordability. I eventually left my job at a design agency to pursue the dream of creating a fun, “Typo-style” stationery store tailored to the South African market, one that makes unique stationery more accessible to everyone.
3. What is your role within the business today, and how has it evolved since you started?
I started the business with just R500, a small office printer, an A4 laminator, a basic paper cutter, and a lot of determination. In the beginning, I handled everything myself, from designing and printing to cutting, laminating, packing orders, and gradually expanding the product range.
Today, the business offers more than 400 stationery items, including notebooks, sticker sheets, planners, and other products I design and produce myself. As the business grew, so did the equipment, which now includes multiple printers, A3 laminators, a laser cutter, a vinyl cutter, and a stamp maker.
I also stock products from various suppliers alongside my own designs to offer a wider range of stationery. Despite the growth, I remain very hands-on, involved in everything from product development and design to production, sourcing, and customer experience.
4. Can you share a bit about your educational background or formative experiences that shaped your entrepreneurial journey?
I have a degree in Graphic Design, which gave me a strong foundation in creativity, branding, and visual communication skills that naturally translated into designing stationery and printed products. Before starting my business, I worked at a design agency where I gained valuable experience managing clients and projects, and learned the importance of professionalism and delivering quality work.
That experience also made me realise I wanted to build something of my own, a brand where I could fully explore my creativity and bring my ideas to life through products. My education and early career gave me the skills and confidence to start a stationery business that reflects my passion for design and creativity.
5. How did you fund or bootstrap your business in the early days, and what did that process teach you?
In the beginning, the business was completely self-funded with about R500, which I had saved from my job in 2015. With that small budget, I bought basic tools and materials to produce my first products. From the start, I reinvested every sale back into the business, covering basic costs and using the rest to buy materials, expand stock, and upgrade equipment.
This approach helped the business grow steadily from simple beginnings into a brand with a wide product range and the ability to produce many items in-house. Bootstrapping the business taught me patience and allowed it to grow organically, step by step.
6. What does a typical workday look like for you, and how do you prioritise what truly matters?
A typical day is a mix of production, admin, and switching between many tasks. As a solo business owner, I handle everything from designing and printing products to packing orders, sourcing stock, managing the website, and responding to customer queries. No two days are the same, so I start by prioritising urgent tasks like customer orders, then move on to production, restocking, and researching new ideas.
I’m also a mother to two young children, so balancing business and family life requires flexibility. Running a small business often means answering messages or emails after hours, but staying responsive to customers is important to me.
7. Entrepreneurship can be demanding. How do you maintain balance between your professional responsibilities and your personal life?
Balancing work and family is an ongoing learning process while running a business and raising two young children. During school hours, I focus fully on production, admin, and business tasks. Once they’re home, I juggle family time with keeping the business running, and after they’re asleep, I often catch up on messages, planning, and orders. It’s demanding, but the flexible schedule lets me be present for my family while growing a business I’m passionate about.
8. What drives you on the tough days, and who or what inspires your leadership style?
What drives me on tough days is building something meaningful for myself and my children a business they can one day be proud of. My leadership is inspired by my father, who built a successful business from nothing despite setbacks early in his career. His determination to provide for his family and create opportunities for others has shaped how I approach challenges and decision-making. As my business grows, I hope to create similar opportunities for others, supporting small businesses, resellers, and eventually employees, so more families can benefit alongside the brand.
9. Where do you find clarity and creativity, and when and where do your best ideas emerge?
Much of my creativity comes from stepping back and giving myself space to think. With so many aspects of the business to manage, pausing often helps ideas come together. I find inspiration in everyday things, trends, new materials, how people use products, and international ideas adapted for South Africa. Often, my best ideas come late at night when it’s quiet, or while working on something else, as one project can spark several new ones. Creativity for me is about observing, experimenting, and letting ideas grow naturally.
10. What marketing or growth strategies have been most effective in building your brand and attracting clients?
The most effective strategy for growing my brand has been focusing on authentic connections rather than traditional influencer marketing. I often send products to everyday stationery lovers instead of only large influencers, as their genuine use and feedback feel more relatable and resonate strongly with customers.
I also use small-budget, targeted Instagram and Facebook ads, share behind-the-scenes content, and attend markets and events to connect with customers in person. Overall, building community and showing the real story behind the business has driven the brand’s growth.
11. What exciting developments or goals are next for you and your business?
One exciting milestone is exhibiting at Comic Con for the first time a great opportunity to reach a wider audience and connect with fellow creatives. Beyond events, I’m working toward opening our first physical store within the next year, with the long-term goal of expanding nationwide. The aim is to build a meaningful, creative space and brand that people genuinely enjoy.
12. What advice would you give to women who are considering starting their own business but may be hesitant to begin?
My biggest advice: just start. If you believe in yourself and love what you do, that passion will carry you through the journey. Building a business is rewarding but comes with challenges. Tough days are part of the process, and overcoming them builds resilience. Don’t fear competition; instead, add your unique spin and create something that reflects you.
Do your research, understand your market, and be clear on why you’re starting. Business is a process of trial, learning, and growth. Remind yourself why you began, and trust that you’re stronger and more capable than you think.
