The birth of Peachy Tangerine is a result of my own ‘rebirth’!

Let me take you back a bit…

Growing up in a traditional South African home comes with endless pressure. While my two siblings we obedient and studied accounting, I so happened to be the creative child. I did take science in school but I only came alive when I was writing – I started writing for fun in elementary and publicly when I graduated high school.

After a minor dispute with my mother about me taking an Arts degree and majoring in Media Studies and writing, I managed to convince her that I would be successful in this industry, undoubtedly. She accepted it and became supportive. I graduated and moved abroad 2 months later to pursue my dream of being a copywriter.

THEN BAM!

A huge slap in my face when I soon learned that the ‘American dream’ is not by default, you still have to work super hard! That’s exactly what I did, I put in the work while having a 9-5 job. I knew no one, had no connections, kept pushing but kept falling and that was it – I decided I was done!

After 2 years, I finally decided to tell my mother the truth – I had failed, I had been living a lie because I was too embarrassed to say that she was right, I should’ve gone into the medical industry like her.

I confessed through a long text message and expressed how desperately I just wanted to make her proud. That’s all I ever wanted!

I clicked the ‘Send’ button and wanted to run away after that because I know how much my mother wants us to do well for ourselves and I have seen how much she struggled to raise 3 young kids when our dad passed away. A day later…

SHE RESPONDED AND WHAT SHE SAID WAS NOT WHAT I HAD ON MY BINGO CARD!

My mother reciprocated the lengthy text I sent her and expressed how she felt:

• she reminded me that things take time and that what is meant to be will be
• she reminded me of my previous struggles and how obstacles always excite me because I push for what I want
• she showed me that she’s always been aware of the fact that all I care about is writing
• she quoted my father and used his struggles as an example and how to gracefully keep moving
• she told me that my humanitarian character and drive to help people is what makes her proud of me
• she concluded by affirming to me that this is not the end but the beginning of a good thing

THAT! That did it for me!

I went back to the drawing board and tweaked a few things until I was ready to launch my copywriting and marketing business. One thing was missing though – a name! I knew I wanted this to be a tribute to my mother and so naturally I started off with what everyone calls her, “PT” (her initials). Good starting point! Next, I wanted something that would reflect me, what I love and my character.

And that is the story of how Peachy Tangerine came to life!

Welcome.