• Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Liz Creates, a South African creative entrepreneur on a mission to help clients find their brand voice

January 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Liz Creates, founder of Ostara Studio (South Africa)

Liz Creates, founder of Ostara Studio (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every business wants to stand out in the crowd, to reach potential customers with their product and service offerings, and to make their brands resonate in the marketplace. In South Africa, that’s where Ostara Studio, founded by Liz Creates, comes to the rescue, bringing a wealth of specialist expertise in strategic brand communications and design.

LoA learned more about this passion driven niche consultancy from founder Liz Creates this month.

What does your company do?

Ostara Studio is a strategic brand communications and design consultancy. In an increasingly competitive market, Ostara Studio helps clients in finding their unique value proposition, brand message, brand voice and brand personality, assisting them in communicating effectively with their ideal target audience and standing out. Services include brand strategy plans (once off consultation, yearly or monthly reports), graphic and web design, photography and film.

Screen Shot 2021-01-24 at 4.19.18 PM.jpg
Liz bio pic 2 (Ostara Studio).jpg
Liz speaking 3.jpg

“What I've always wanted to do is to empower brands and businesses, by showing them that they have power in living authentically.”

What inspired you to start your company?

My company has been a result of combining my skills and passions. I've always been a creative, offering graphic design and photography. Additionally, I have always been strategic, analytical and have strong skills in administration. But what I've always wanted to do, is to empower brands and businesses, by showing them that they have power in living authentically. Their power lies in how they communicate their own brands and passions. Ostara Studio is a natural method in bringing people and businesses closer to their own authentic effective brand message; my skill set guides them in using it.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

Clients who feel stuck in their brand positioning, or clients who struggle to communicate, are often unable to see the bigger picture or see the value of their own visions and passions. I'm able to connect people to their unique brand positioning and guide them in using their passion to communicate with their ideal clients. I do this by analyzing the entire picture, and then use design-thinking to solve the problems. Ostara Studio isn't just designing for design's sake; we guide you through the bigger picture using strategy, and give you tools (websites, logos, strategy plans) to use along the way. We want you to be a brand citizen that feels ready to change the world, not just a business drifting through an economic space.

Screen Shot 2021-01-24 at 4.19.32 PM.jpg
Liz bts 1.jpg

“Ostara Studio isn't just designing for design's sake; we guide you through the bigger picture using strategy, and give you tools (websites, logos, strategy plans) to use along the way.”

Illustration 1 by Ostara Studio.jpg

Tell us a little about your team

I am the principle brand strategist and lead designer. Stakeholders, with their own unique skill-sets and portfolios enhances the content and strategy. These stakeholders are contracted based on freelancing contracts. We believe in empowering stakeholders who run their own businesses. Therefore, we are able to cover a large range of services, by bringing various stakeholders in. For instance, one of our main stakeholders is a copywriter, and another is a filmmaker and producer.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I'm somewhat what you could call a serial entrepreneur. Although Ostara Studio is my main operation, I run multiple businesses and am involved in my partner's businesses as well. Liz Bharo Photography is one of my other businesses. I'm also a shareholder for Thando Africa. And I'm currently creating the technology for Afristok, which will launch in May - an African stock site. In my youth, I tried to run a NPO called Lightchild Incentive. Unfortunately, it failed as I wasn't experienced or mature enough. I think that's where my entrepreneurial journey began. It was there that I dealt with multiple entrepreneurs who wanted to change the world. I believe there is immense power in small business. We are the true brand citizens who are able to impact the world positively (because there are so many of us).

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

I would like to step into businesses like Unilever and Tiger Brands. Although they have internal brand strategists, they need external visionaries to approach wicked problems like climate change and plastic use. These are companies who strive to be brand citizens, and want to be able to evolve their products to be earth-friendly. I want Ostara Studio to be part of that movement. Additionally, I would like Ostara Studio to grow to an agency level, that is based on freelancer model, empowering freelancers in their own businesses, as Ostara Studio gains larger clients.

Screen Shot 2021-01-24 at 4.19.57 PM.jpg
Products 2 by Ostara Studio.jpg
Liz bio pic (Ostara Studio).jpg

“We want you to be a brand citizen that feels ready to change the world, not just a business drifting through an economic space.”

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

Oooeee, that's a difficult one. There are many small moments in entrepreneurship to celebrate: the flexibility, the ability to feel that you can make a change as you can directly influence and impact the world, and the ability to collaborate. I think that's been my greatest satisfaction, to collaborate with like-minded, passionate and like-hearted people.

What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Just start somewhere. If you must, go the lean startup route. Money isn't everything - you will be surprised at how much you can accomplish with little. You will realize where your strengths lie when approaching solutions to your problems with the little you have.  BUT, also realize that at some point, you need to take risks to grow. That will be the time that you need to take yourself and your business seriously and do it the right way. Surround yourself with as many like-minded and like-hearted people you can find on this journey. They will be your sisters and brothers on this mad journey. And be there for them in return.  AND always believe in yourself. There will be hard days, days where your confidence is non-existent. Keep believing. Have faith. One step at a time.

Contact or follow Ostara Studio

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | YOUTUBE | EMAIL info@ostarastudio.com


Why LoA loves it….

So many businesses, large and small, struggle to make their brands resonate in the marketplace and make those all important connections with customers. In today’s increasingly competitive world, getting the right expert help and advice is key, and Liz and her team at Ostara Studio are there to provide insights and expertise to meet any brand brief. Liz has an incredibly creative eye for detail and knows how to make brands stand out and make their messaging heard. Being an entrepreneur herself and knowing how competitive it is out there in the marketplace, she also brings a wealth of practical experience and out-of-the-box creative thinking to create brand strategies and campaigns that deliver. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa

In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Media PR & Communications
← We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power By Rachel RodgersNoushinah Ganey, a South African entrepreneur passionate about wellness and aesthetics →

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series - Navigating Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace

Lioness Radio Show Special Episode: Navigating AI in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.