From Dolls to Digital: Designing My Way Forward
Affirm: I have the ability to create any and everything my heart desiress.
If you’d told me ten years ago that I’d be designing user experiences for digital products, I might’ve blinked twice—then asked if the interface came in earth tones.
My journey into UX wasn’t a sudden pivot. It was a slow, intentional layering of skills, instincts, and experiences that started long before I knew what “user-centered design” even meant.
The Artist Behind the Interface
I’ve always been a creative. From sketching fashion silhouettes in Cape Town to crafting dolls that reflect the beauty of Black and Brown children, my work has always centered around representation, storytelling, and empathy.
A little FYI I have recently gone back to acrylic painting and enjoy the calm so much.
After studying fashion design, I spent six years in customer service—an experience that taught me how to listen deeply, solve problems quickly, and understand what people really need (even when they don’t say it outright). That curiosity led me to retail buying, where I learned to analyze trends, develop product ranges, and tailor strategies to specific customer segments.
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Strategic Design: Lessons from Retail Buying
The decision to study retail buying gave me the opportunity to work in womenswear, buying at one of South Africa’s major retailers. That experience was a masterclass in commercial design and strategic thinking. I honed my skills in product range development—curating collections that aligned with both trend forecasts and business goals.
I collaborated across teams, from marketing to planning, ensuring every product told a cohesive story. I learned to navigate the retail landscape with precision, using buyer personas to understand our customer beyond demographics—what she values, how she shops, and what she needs next. Supplier negotiations, margin management, and business strategy became part of my daily rhythm, and I saw firsthand how thoughtful design could drive both emotional connection and commercial success. This was just before I decided to fulfill a dream and started my business.
Building Imibongo Kamakhulu Dolls
In 2018, I launched Imibongo Kamakhulu Dolls, a brand born from love, culture, and a desire to see more inclusive toys on shelves. I used everything I’d learned—range development, customer service, and technical know-how—to build a business that resonated with families across South Africa. In 2020, I was honored to be named one of six winners of the ViaTV Young Business Owner competition. That moment wasn’t just a win—it was a signal that I was building something meaningful.
The Digital Shift
Running a business taught me more than product strategy. I learned to build websites from scratch, manage social media, and dive into digital marketing. I earned certifications, experimented with content, and slowly realized that my favorite part of the process was designing experiences—whether it was a doll unboxing or a seamless checkout flow.
That realization led me to UX design.
Now, I combine my artistic sensibilities with technical skills to craft intuitive, inclusive digital products. I’m certified in UX Design, Digital Marketing, and Retail Buying, and I’m currently pursuing Design Thinking to deepen my approach. My work is rooted in empathy, strategy, and a belief that good design should feel like home.
Why This Blog Exists
This blog is my way of sharing the journey—the wins, the pivots, the lessons. It’s a space for process, reflection, and connection. Whether you’re a fellow creative, a curious client, or someone navigating your own career shift, I hope my story reminds you that growth isn’t always linear—but it can be beautifully intentional.
Thanks for being here. Let’s design something that matters.
Follow my journey in tech and lets connect.