ZBrands marks its 5th anniversary of success.

Firstly, as the Business Leads writer, I must say it's always a pleasure to be the first one to be on the receiving end of stories as powerful and inspiring as Sandy's. So, allow me to re-introduce you to Sandy Zoetmulder, founder of ZBrands, who is the definition of a passionate entrepreneur. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Gqeberha - formerly known as Port Elizabeth - Sandy’s journey to building a successful branding company has been marked by perseverance, innovation, and a deep love for her community. As the oldest of three siblings, she describes her upbringing as a tight-knit family unit - a value she has carried into her professional life. Married to Michael, owner of Zsports Events, Sandy juggles her roles as a businesswoman and mother. Together, they have two stepchildren, Claudia (23) and Tristan (22), who are living their best lives in London, as well as their two younger children, Jayden (10) and Zoe (9).

“I’ve spent most of my life in PE, except for two years in Dubai after school,” she says. Sandy's experience in Dubai played a pivotal role in shaping her business acumen, but her love for her hometown remained unwavering. Upon returning, she joined the opening team of News Café at The Boardwalk in 2002. Starting as a waitress, she quickly climbed the ranks to head waitress and then front-of-house manager. Eventually, when the opportunity arose, she and her father bought shares in the business, which soon became a family-owned venture.

Reflecting on her time at News Café, Sandy notes, “It was during my years as the operational owner that I discovered my passion for branding.” She quickly became known for her expertise in marketing, advertising, and brand consistency - skills that helped her earn multiple national awards, including Brand Builder of the Year and Marketer of the Year. Additionally, Sandy was a Top 3 Finalist in the Entrepreneur Category for the BWA Business Woman of the Year in 2018 and was also named one of The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2015. By 2019, after 15 years in the restaurant industry, Sandy made the decision to sell News Café and pursue her newfound passion: branding. In November 2019, ZBrands was born.

Starting a business is never easy, and ZBrands was no exception. “Initially, I had hoped to become known as the ‘T-shirt Queen,’ but just a few months after launching, COVID hit,” Sandy recalls. The pandemic forced her to adapt quickly, pivoting to producing branded face masks and sanitizers. Despite these early challenges, Sandy’s resilience paid off when, in August 2020, she expanded ZBrands by purchasing an existing branding company. This acquisition allowed her to bring branding operations in-house, ensuring higher-quality service and faster delivery times. “Hello to the world of in-house branding and literally GREAT service at my fingertips!” she exclaims.

ZBrands has since grown into a thriving business with an all-woman team of 13 members, based out of their new branding studio at 174 Villiers Road, Walmer. The company prides itself on delivering exceptional service and can offer over 60,000 different branded products to clients. From eco-friendly apparel to promotional items like drinkware and banners, ZBrands has become a go-to supplier for businesses across South Africa. “We are proud to partner with leading national suppliers such as Barron, Amrod, and Headwear 24,” Sandy says. 

“Rome wasn’t built in a day!”

Of course, success doesn’t come without its challenges. Like many small businesses, ZBrands has faced financial hurdles, especially with investments in equipment and the constant need for maintenance. Power outages due to load shedding have also been a significant issue. “Our machinery requires electricity, so we had no option but to invest in a rent-to-own solar system for our premises,” Sandy explains. Despite these obstacles, she remains optimistic and focused on growth.

Looking back on the past five years, Sandy is immensely proud of what she and her team have accomplished. “I’m just so proud of my #BrandingTribe for reaching our 5-year business milestone,” she says. As she looks to the future, Sandy envisions continued growth, building stronger relationships with clients and suppliers, and staying at the forefront of branding innovation.

The success of ZBrands has always been deeply intertwined with the support of the Gqeberha community, something Sandy Zoetmulder reflects on with gratitude. From the very beginning, family, friends, and local businesses rallied behind her, offering both encouragement and opportunities. "It’s been overwhelming and incredibly humbling to receive such amazing support," she says.

What began as a small venture quickly gained momentum, thanks to word-of-mouth referrals and recommendations from trusted colleagues and loyal customers. Whether through conversations at local events or shared posts on social media platforms, the community's belief in Sandy's vision helped ZBrands thrive. Gqeberha’s close-knit business environment fostered connections that made all the difference.

For Sandy, this sense of community is not just a business advantage; it’s a cornerstone of what makes ZBrands special. The local support reminds her that ZBrands isn’t just a company but a part of something much bigger: the fabric of the city itself.

For more, Visit: ZBrands