Spring is here! What’s your go-to Ackermans piece to refresh a wardrobe for the season?
Butter yellow is definitely the shade of the season, and I’m loving it. My go-to piece right now is my butter-yellow summer suit, a waistcoat paired with tailored shorts, which I actually wore at the Ackermans Baby Event. It’s such an easy outfit to elevate. Add a pair of heels and some simple accessories, and it takes you seamlessly from the office to brunch with friends or even a relaxed date day. It’s fresh, versatile and full of sunshine.
Ackermans blends style, value and family appeal. How do you keep it relevant for everyone, from Gen Z to parents?
Ackermans has been part of South African family life for generations. It’s where so many of us got our first pair of school shoes, our first baby outfit, or the look we wore to our very first social. That connection runs deep, and we hold it close. Today, we’re proud to offer something for every stage of life, from being South Africa’s number one destination for baby, to our kids’ range that keeps growing families stylish and comfortable, to CUBE for our fashion-forward teens, and our women’s and men’s ranges that deliver both style and quality at great value. We understand how families grow and change, and we evolve right alongside them. Whether it’s a mom shopping for her new-born, a child heading off to school, a teen discovering their personal style, or parents refreshing their wardrobes for the new season, Ackermans remains that familiar place where everyone can find something that feels like them.
Which recent campaign under your leadership are you most proud of, and why?
The Phadima campaign for Women’s Month will always have a special place in my heart. It celebrated the incredible women who make Ackermans what it is, from the stores to the support office. Every story we told was authentic and empowering. It reminded us that behind every piece of clothing is a woman whose strength and spirit shine through. For me, that’s what real brand storytelling looks like when it makes people feel proud to be part of something bigger.
As CMO, how do you ensure Ackermans stays connected to South African families’ needs and culture?
At Ackermans, connection is at the heart of everything we do. We see and celebrate the families who shop with us, their dreams, their challenges, and their everyday moments. We make a point of listening and learning from our customers, which is how campaigns like Buddy Bear and Phadima came to life. They reflect real South African stories and the shared values that unite us. We don’t just market to families; we grow with them. Our goal is always to make sure every South African feels a little bit of themselves in what we do.
Outside of work, what’s one fashion or lifestyle tip you swear by for a busy mom on the go?
Keep it simple, stylish and versatile. That’s my go-to rule. I love a wardrobe that works across moments, with classic pieces you can dress up or down without much effort. That’s why Ackermans is such a staple for busy moms. You can look and feel put together without having to spend hours planning your outfit.
Leading a major brand can be intense. How do you balance career, family, and a little “me time”?
I’m very fortunate to have an incredibly supportive husband. He helps create the balance that allows me to show up as my best self at home, at work and everywhere in between. Balance isn’t about doing everything at once; it’s about surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. Between motherhood, work and those small pockets of “me time”, I’m constantly reminded how grateful I am for the support system we’ve built.
Was there a defining moment that made you fall in love with fashion and turn it into a career?Fashion has always been my language. From a young age, I was fascinated by how style allows people to express who they are without saying a word. But it was retail that truly captured my heart, bringing together creativity, purpose and the joy of understanding people. Every campaign, every store visit, every conversation reminds me that what we do has real meaning in people’s lives. My love for fashion has grown with my career, but at its core, it has always been about people, culture and the confidence that comes from feeling good in what you wear.
