Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I grew up in a small town and discovered my love for graphic design in my final year of school.
Since then, I’ve been grateful for the opportunities that allowed me to learn and grow — from mastering different machines and techniques in printing shops to understanding what it takes to bring a project from concept to completion.
One of my early achievements was creating my own advertising booklet, which turned out to be very successful.
Over the years, marketing has also become a passion of mine. With more than 12 years in graphic design and 6 years in marketing, I’ve seen how powerful the combination of these two skills can be in building brands.
Design alone makes things look good, but when paired with a marketing strategy, it ensures those designs connect with the right audience and drive results.
What inspired you to start MX Design Studio, and what’s the story behind the name of your business?
What began as a small freelance venture in the arts and crafts space has grown into a full-fledged design and marketing studio. Back in 2020, I started out under the name The Creative Panda, but as the business evolved, I rebranded to MX Design Studio to better reflect our growth and new direction.
The name carries personal meaning too — M stands for my initial and X for my daughter’s, symbolising the blend of experience and fresh innovation that drives bold, creative design. At its core, MX Design Studio was built to be more than just a place for beautiful visuals.
I wanted to create a space where creativity meets strategy, offering businesses a one-stop hub for design, marketing, and branding solutions that truly make an impact.
What challenges have you faced while running your business?
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with the demands of running a business. From managing clients to staying updated with fast-changing design and marketing trends, it can be tough — but every challenge has been a learning curve that’s made the business stronger.
What has been your proudest moment so far?
One of my proudest moments was running a Google Ads campaign that delivered maximum conversion leads while keeping the spend to a minimum.
Achieving real results for a client with such efficiency proved the value of combining creative strategy with smart marketing.
How has your company grown or changed since you started?
We’ve evolved from focusing mainly on graphic design to offering a wider range of services, including branding, social media, web design, and marketing. MX Design Studio has become more about full creative solutions rather than just design.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day usually starts with emails and planning out priorities. Then it’s onto creative work — whether it’s designing, strategising campaigns, or working on client projects. No two days are the same, which keeps it exciting.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Definitely the creative process — taking an idea and turning it into something visual and impactful. I love seeing the client’s reaction when their vision comes to life.
How do you balance work and personal life?
It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned to set boundaries and prioritise downtime. Creativity flows better when I make space to recharge.
What makes your business stand out from the competition?
We don’t just design — we think strategically. Every project is created with the bigger picture in mind: how it will grow the brand, connect with the audience, and deliver real results.
What also sets us apart is our attention to detail and the way we carefully craft colour palettes that not only look good but also align with the brand’s identity and message. It’s this balance of strategy, creativity, and precision that makes our work stand out.
“Everything happens for a reason”
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
Focus on building relationships, not just a portfolio. Clients appreciate reliability and honesty just as much as creativity. And never stop learning — design and marketing are constantly evolving.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years?
I see MX Design Studio growing into a recognised creative agency that helps brands across South Africa (and beyond) stand out.
I’d love to expand the team and take on bigger projects while still keeping that personal, hands-on approach.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m always looking for inspiration outside of design. I also love music and painting; they’re different forms of creativity, but they help me recharge and often spark new ideas. Creativity truly comes from the most unexpected places.
Do you have a motto or quote you live by?
Yes — “Everything happens for a reason.” It’s a reminder to trust the process, embrace challenges, and see every experience as an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
If you weren’t running this business, what would you be doing?
I’ve delved into management for 7 years, so I would probably still be in that field. Management has always interested me because, like design, it’s about problem-solving, structure, and bringing out the best in people.
