If you’d told 12-year-old me—dusty from hauling donkeys around the neighborhood for pocket money—that I’d one day build a company like Fancy Inc, I’d have laughed. Back then, my biggest worry was whether the kids would pay up for their rides. But looking back, that scrappy little venture was the spark. It taught me something I’ve carried ever since: if you’ve got a vision and a bit of grit, you can make anything happen.
Fast forward to March 12, 2025—15 years since I took the leap to found Fancy Inc—and I’m still fueled by that same fire. Today, we’re a trusted name in branded promotional items, but the road here wasn’t a straight line. It’s been a wild ride, paved with lessons from hospitality, photography, retail, and even the rugged trails of the Himalayas.
My journey started with a BComm in Marketing and Hospitality from the University of Pretoria. Degree in hand, I dove into the chaos of Sun City, managing events and wrangling corporate clients. It was a crash course in hustle—and I loved it. I learned how to read a room, anticipate needs, and turn ideas into experiences. Later, qualifying as a photographer sharpened my eye for detail, a skill I still lean on when crafting the perfect piece of merchandise. “It’s not just a product,” I’d tell myself. “It’s a moment captured.”
Then came Zambia, where I took on the role of Regional Area Manager for Tigers Eye. Living there, navigating retail and distribution, I saw firsthand how branding could bridge gaps and build loyalty. It was the missing piece I didn’t know I’d been searching for. By 2010, I was ready to bet on myself. Fancy Inc was born—not in a boardroom, but in my head and heart, fueled by a desire to blend creativity with connection.
That same year, I was raising two incredible boys as a single mom. People often ask how I juggled it all. Truth is, they were my why. Every late night, every risk—they were for them, and for the belief that I could build something lasting. Fancy Inc wasn’t just a business; it was a promise to show them what’s possible when you dare to dream big.
Fifteen years on, I’m proud of where we’ve landed. We’ve grown from a one-woman show into a team that’s obsessed with getting the details right—because that’s where the magic lives. A recent Digital Marketing qualification has added fresh tools to my kit, but the core hasn’t changed. “Your name, our game” isn’t just a slogan—it’s how we live. Whether it’s a custom pen or a branded jacket, we’re here to make your story stick.
Beyond the business, I’ve been lucky to share my voice as a published author and international speaker. I’ve poured time into pro-bono work for a nonprofit that’s close to my soul. And when I need to recharge, you’ll find me on a paddle court! That’s where I find clarity: each ball, sun in my face, plotting the next move.
Fancy Inc turns 15 this year, and I’ve been reflecting on what’s kept us going. It’s not about one-off wins or quick sales. It’s about relationships—those personal connections with clients who trust us to carry their name. “We don’t just deliver products,” I tell my team. “We deliver promises.”
So here’s to the next 15 years—of creativity, of detail, of building something that lasts. If you’ve got a name and a story, let’s make it our game. Drop a comment or reach out—I’d love to hear where your journey’s taken you.
Much Love Maranda