Jhb West - Nov 24

just as much. She’s grown into her
uniqueness and celebrates it just like
the full-spectrum rainbow she loves
to create with.
Now, when Donna’s not transforming
socks into animals, she’s consulting
for The Learning Point, an education
exhibition company she used to
run herself. And, she might even
plan the occasional event or party.
Because, apparently, creating magical
moments is in her DNA too.
‘Looking back, I always found
opportunities to be creative. After
passing on the company, I had more
time and so I ventured into event and
party planning, which I absolutely
loved. It gave me the chance to help
people create unforgettable events
and lasting memories to treasure.’
Sockimals only really came into the
picture when she helped her sister,
who was looking for a creative project
to empower women in Zambia at
the time. Donna jumped in, patterns
in hand, and so, unintentionally
discovered her happy place.
Fast forward to today, and Donna
has made 53 different types of
Sockimals. But her everyday lineup
includes around 30 regulars. And
yes, she’s always up for a challenge
if you’re after something specific.
Her favourite? Well, if you twisted
her arm, it would have to be her
mascot, Gracie Giraffe (but don’t
make her choose … it’s like picking a
favourite child).
It comes as no surprise that
Donna can’t go anywhere without
scanning the shelves for socks
(#thesnuggleisreal). Good quality,
well-priced, quirky socks are her
kryptonite, and Dave, her husband,
has developed the world’s patience
while she’s on the hunt. Her friends
know the way to her heart, too …
sock shopping!
Looking ahead, Donna’s excited to
keep growing her sock empire. She’s
dreaming of hosting more Create
Your Own Sockimal workshops and
taking kits to schools for kids to
craft in their Arts and Technology
classes. Eventually, she’d love to teach
someone just as passionate to help
her with the socky magic.
‘My biggest inspiration is God’s
beautiful creation around us. More of
artistry on full display you will not find.
My daughter is also my inspiration.
How she holds fast to her faith, no
matter what life brings on her path,
which encourages me greatly.’
Alongside her husband, Donna is
also deeply involved in I Am Second,
a nonprofit inspiring people to put
Jesus first in their lives. Together, they
lead the Africa division, travelling all
over to share stories of faith and hope.
But when she’s not doing missionary
work, Donna’s happiest spending time
with her family, or just chatting with
friends … barefoot or in socks.
‘In my downtime though, I enjoy quiet
moments with my Bible and jotting
down dreams and promises from
God. My life motto is Let my story bring
You glory, Lord. And, just that is what I’ll
always be aiming for.
‘And if anything’s guaranteed to
make my day, it’s my granddaughter’s
infectious smile. Or, naturally, a fun
pair of socks.’
One thing’s for sure. Whether it’s faith,
friends, family, work or Sockimals,
Donna’s all in. She’s got no space
for half-heartedness. Just full-blown
passion for everything she sets her
heart and hands to. So, next time
you’re faced with an odd sock, just
think of Donna and her wonderful
world of socky creatures. Because
around her, even the simplest
things … like a pair of socks …
become extraordinary.
You can find her Sockimals on
sockimals.co.za from R70 each.
Details: Follow @Sockimals on Insta
and Facebook
November 2024 Get It Magazine 17