As part of my ‘A South African Local Supporting Locals’ series, here’s my introductory segment in this blog series. The goal behind this latest series is to highlight small local businesses in South Africa that I admire or wish to share with my readers.
1) What was the main inspiration behind your business?
I started Words on Pink in 2026, hot on the heels of a difficult first year postpartum and unexpected retrenchment in 2025.
The inspiration behind it is simple: I am a former hard-working career woman who is now essentially a stay-at-home mum to our little one. And, while I am so privileged to be able to say that, I also want to get back to work in a sense. That means finding a career path that supports where I am at life at present, while also fulfilling my needs as a recovering career-driven woman.
Since I already (unofficially) had a freelance business, the natural thing seemed to turn that into a more concrete business. But to do so alongside my blog, rather than as a sub-section of it.
Passionate writer since 2006, pro-writer since 2016. Full-time freelancer since 2026.
I started freelancing in 2016 and I’ve been doing it most successfully for a decade now. (Not many people can say that.) But it’s always been a side hustle or a part-time venture. My goal now is to slowly turn it into a full-time career that allows me flexible work opportunities and allows me to still be a present, hands-on mother during the work week.
I called the business venture, Words on Pink, in a play on words on ink and because, well, I’ve read how, after their young are born, flamingos lose their pink for a time. Because the process of child-rearing is so hard on them. But, gradually, as they adjust and their babies grow, that pink plumage returns.
Human motherhood is a lot like that – it’s gruelling and takes such a toll on you. You do lose your pink for a time but slowly, it starts to return. It’s a rebirth in the best possible way. I’m not the same woman I was before I became a mother. I can’t be! The old has passed away and now, after taking some time to find my footing and struggling through this beautiful chaos, I’m finally finding my pink again. No, rather, I’m regaining my pink through words!
2) Which of your current offerings best represents the heart of your brand?
I offer a range of freelance services – everything from proofreading to ghostwriting to content creation and even CV editing. But I feel like the proofreading and writing side of things best represents the heart of my brand because those skills are what I’ve honed and sharpened the most over the years. And I’m a beast at both in my own right.
3) How does the local landscape or community influence your creative process?
Well, I draw a lot of inspiration from other local South African mothers who run their own businesses to support or sustain their families. Or to have more flexible roles in their children’s upbringing.
I always wanted to work remotely when I had kids, so that’s part of my personal motivation. But, now that I am there, I guess I really admire anyone who works as a mother and runs a business at the same time because damn, it’s hard!
Motherhood is the hardest, most important and utterly rewarding job I have ever had. But working alongside that, even in a part-time capacity, isn’t easy. So seeing other women do that and succeed – that inspires me and gives me hope.
I also want our child to see that both his parents work and draw meaning and purpose from their work. I think that’s incredibly important for children to grow up seeing.
4) What has been your most significant milestone as a local entrepreneur thus far?
Being a successful, steady freelancer for a decade! While working a full-time job and running my blog, I might add.
It’s been crazy to juggle at times and I’ve always had to work damn hard at all three but I’m so proud of myself for managing to do that.
I’ve juggled so much and it’s taken me almost ten years to acknowledge and commend myself for that but really, it’s no small feat.
5) If you could recommend one other great well- or little-known local business, which would it be?
Hmm, I know of so many incredible businesses run by inspirational South Africans, especially SA women.
But check out Sensory Seekers – Fran and her team are doing some incredible things for mothers with young children and above all, for women in the workplace.
6) What is the primary feeling or experience you hope to evoke for your clients?
I want them to feel that the work I’ve produced matches their brief or aligns with their vision. I want to always live up to or exceed their expectations and deliver timeous, sound work every time.
7) How has your business journey evolved since you first opened your doors?
I have had months where, pre-COVID, I’ve made nearly 10-13k off this alone. That’s a long way from the R200 I would make per month when I first started out but I guess once I had to start doing provisional tax, as well as my normal personal income tax, I knew I’d made my freelancing and blogging a success, ha, ha.
So probably that. I’d say also having clients approach me through word of mouth. That’s hugely encouraging as a freelancer!
8) What makes our specific region the ideal home for your craft?
This one doesn’t really apply to my business because I work remotely and I can assist clients anywhere in the world. But I suppose freelancing in South Africa is ideal because we have a lot of entrepreneurs here.
9) Are there any upcoming projects or seasonal collaborations we can look forward to?
Again, not really from a freelancing perspective at this time… hopefully someday though!
But my blog has some exciting accommodation collaborations planned for 2026 so keep an eye out for those! 🙂
10) In your eyes, why is the “support local” movement so essential for our community?
South Africa is one of the countries with the highest unemployment rate in the world. It’s a terrible statistic and it’s honestly such a soul-crushing thing to hear as someone young entering or treading water in our local workforce.
But we have such talented, creative people and we prove, time and time again as a nation, that with a bit of luck, the right resources and some funding, we are a people who can create, produce and market the most amazing products.
I think for me, supporting local is just the easiest way to give back to my country too.
Please don’t support platforms like Temu or Shein that, aside from being terrible for the planet and humans, are stealing work and jobs from our local people.
If you want to help our economy – and thereby, help yourself and your family in a sense – then inject your money back into local businesses. Enjoy local coffee, buy local handmade clothing, browse local stores and above all, support your local business owners and creatives. They deserve all the recognition and support, I promise you!
If you wish to hire me or learn more about my Words on Pink services and rates, please see here.
Alternatively, you can follow me on Instagram here.
Stay tuned for the next instalment in my ‘A South African Local Supporting Locals’ series. 🙂
About the Author
