Regular attendees at Lionesses of Africa webinars will recognize the inspirational name and face of Yellow Owl founder, Thuli Zikalala, the pioneering entrepreneur creating inspiring digital content for both Deaf and Hearing audiences. Her latest innovation is the launch of a first-of-its-kind in South Africa silent 10 episode podcast series which captures the stories, experiences, culture and shared values within the Deaf community. Deaf presenters Lerato Maake ka Mncube & Daline 'Crazy D' Maasdorp engage with guests, both Deaf and hearing from different backgrounds, to shape a new narrative about the Deaf community. The name is a word play that invites audiences into the silent world seen through the eyes of Deaf people. Taking a spin on the audio nature of podcasts - ours is visual: the hands become a voice. Expect intimate, informative, inspirational and entertaining conversations shared by influential people within the Deaf community.
What makes this new product offering from Yellow Owl different is that Signs & Stories is the first and only SASL podcast in South Africa that pushes boundaries in the way stories are told. It highlights the amazing achievements in the Deaf community and promotes inclusive conversations for all to enjoy. Furthermore, technology and social media has enabled a wider reach of people from different backgrounds, there are no limits to who can be connected with and the impact that can be made on their lives. The communication barriers are being removed through introducing alternative and creative forms of delivering content.
Thuli and the Yellow Owl team are currently recording Episode 6 of Signs & Stories, with more details to follow on the company’s social media platforms. Thuli says that her aspirations for the new series are fourfold - to change the narrative about stereotypes in the Deaf community; to sensitise more content creators, brands and stakeholders to make their platforms more accessible through SASL; to spread awareness about SASL, the Deaf community and Deaf culture. With SASL soon to become a 12th official language in the country, Thuli anticipates more willingness to empower people through knowledge sharing; To continue telling powerful stories that inspire ordinary people, wherever they are, to believe in their dreams.
For those interested to know more about Yellow Owl and its new Signs & Stories: the Silent Podcast, they can subscribe to the company’s YouTube channel (Signs & Stories: the silent podcast). Thuli also welcomes suitable collaborators, partnerships, sponsorships and guests.
Thuli shares her advice for other impact-making women entrepreneurs in Africa saying: “We all have something special and valuable to offer. Don't wait for things to be perfect, start with what you've got. Take risks, believe in yourself, and enjoy the exciting journey together!”
More about Thuli Zikalala, founder of Yellow Owl in South Africa
Thuli is a South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreter, and she launched her business as a way of offering refreshing, compelling and inspiring digital content to deaf audiences. She identified a gap in the market and passionately believes that audiences, both Deaf and Hearing, are hungry for storytelling delivered in a unique way. Through collaboration with online platforms, content creators and independent brands, Thuli and her Yellow Owl team ensure inclusive and accessible information using South African Sign Language (SASL) and captioning. Ultimately, her business is removing communication barriers and sensitising more stakeholders to see value in an often neglected minority community.
Contact Thuli and the Yellow Owl team
Email Address: Hello@yellowowl.co.za
Website: http://yellowowlpro.com
Facebook: @yellowowlSASL
Twitter: _yellow_owl
Instagram: @_yellow_owl
YouTube or Vimeo Video: youtu.be/lTEA9os0exl
