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My Journey as a Young Marketer: Embracing Growth and Learning

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thabisile Mabele

Navigating the marketing landscape as a young 23-year-old has been an exciting, challenging, and enriching experience. From my early days of exploring the marketing field to where I am now, I’ve come to realize that growth in this industry is not just about climbing the career ladder but also about personal development, learning, and embracing new opportunities.

Discovering my passion for marketing my journey began with a curiosity about how brands connect with their audience. I was fascinated by the power of storytelling, data-driven strategies, and creative campaigns that could sway opinions and shape consumer behaviour. During my university years, I eagerly took on internships, joined marketing clubs, and participated in projects that exposed me to different aspects of the field, from digital marketing and social media management to content creation and market research.

These experiences allowed me to see the vast possibilities within the marketing space. I realized that marketing is not just about selling a product; it’s about creating value, building relationships, and solving problems for customers. Embracing challenges and learning opportunities entering the professional world, I quickly learned that marketing is fast-paced and ever-evolving. New trends emerge almost daily, and staying ahead of the curve requires continuous learning and adaptability.

As a young marketer, I’ve faced the challenge of proving myself and my capabilities in a field where experience often speaks volumes. However, I’ve learned to turn this into an opportunity. Building a network and learning from mentors, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of networking and finding mentors. Building a network of like-minded professionals, attending industry events, and seeking guidance from experienced marketers have been instrumental in my growth.

I’ve had the privilege of learning from some incredible mentors who have shared their insights, provided constructive feedback, and inspired me to push beyond my limits. Through these connections, I’ve also discovered the power of collaboration. Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations. As I look ahead, my goal is to continue growing as a marketer by embracing new challenges, expanding my knowledge, and staying adaptable in an ever-changing landscape. I am passionate about understanding the evolving needs of consumers and leveraging innovative strategies to create meaningful and engaging brand experiences. I also aim to inspire other young marketers by sharing my journey, challenges, and successes. I believe that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, there are endless possibilities for growth in this field.

Being a young marketer in today’s digital age is both thrilling and demanding. It requires a balance of creativity, strategy, and continuous learning. My journey so far has taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset. As I continue to carve my path in the marketing world, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and the impact I can make in this ever-evolving industry.

Being a young marketer in today’s digital age is both thrilling and demanding. It requires a balance of creativity, strategy, and continuous learning. My journey so far has taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset. As I continue to carve my path in the marketing world, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and the impact I can make in this ever-evolving industry.


Thabisile Mabele is a passionate, versatile young marketer in South Africa with a love for creative storytelling and digital strategy. She has built experience in social media management, content creation, and data analytics, always striving to craft engaging brand experiences. Thabisile thrives in fast-paced environments, where she can apply her skills and adapt to new challenges. Networking, mentorship, and collaboration are key to Thabisile’s growth, allowing her to develop innovative campaigns that connect with diverse audiences.

In Guest Blog Tags Thabisile Mabele, Personal Development
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Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f 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 / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found

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