LORINDA SCOTT
Boss LadyÂ
Tell us a bit about creating FabMags
FabMags started as Estate Press because, right at the beginning, we only did estate-based magazines. When we branched out into community mags, we decided the name had to change to something that covered all that we do. It’s a cool story actually: two stay-at-home moms, who missed our monthly estate magazines (we had recently moved to Ballito), purely by accident started the first estate mag for the estate we lived in. In a blink of an eye (and because of a bit of a competitive streak as a competing JHB business started chatting to local estates), we decided this two-man band needed to expand. That is how it all started!
We have always been KZN-focused we have it all covered from Ballito to Midlands). Today, we are 16 staff members strong with 10 print mags (community and estate-based), three locally based business directories, five estate-based digital magazines, and two/ three under-license magazines for clients annually. As Justin always says, we are still successful because we LOVE what we do. We love the people we work with, we love the stories we get to tell, and we love being community-focused.
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
The team! When you have the right team around the table, it’s easy. I have been blessed with the best of the best over the years. We employ for attitude and train for the rest – it has been a winning combination for sure! We work hard, laugh hard and sometimes stress hard, but when it counts, we pull together even harder. No one is an island, and working together to hit deadlines or targets is what truly makes this team special!
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
That’s a tough question, as there are so many good ones! I love that we highlight local women in business, all of the Midlands articles are super cool for us beach people, and the food and travel articles are great! I’d have to say “So South African” in the August/September 2023 edition of The Ballito Magazine – our Heritage Day biltong-focused menu. It was a special one because it was something different. We loved working with local suppliers and, most of all, we had a lot of fun coming up with the menus, cooking the food, and taking the photos. Loads of laughing and about 1000 photos later, the spread was exactly what we wanted it to look like!
JUSTIN SCOTT
Co-Founder
Tell us a bit about when you joined FabMags
Lorinda started Estate Press while I was still at Derivco. It wasn’t too much longer after that that I resigned from corporate life and joined her in the business. From there we grew and expanded until where we are today. Obviously, roles have changed over time but it’s been amazing to be a part of such a wonderful local story.
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
As one of the “older players” who’s been around and on the team for a while, it is difficult to choose. I’d say my favourite thing is definitely the team. The results are 100% a result of the amazing people who work together every day. They have such an inspiring ethos and dynamic.
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
Having to choose my favourite is like asking a parent to pick a favourite child. The exercise forced me to go back through many of our editions to be sure, and I found myself often second-guessing. My answer is “The Start of Forever” in the February/ March 2023 edition of The Ballito Magazine. Why? It’s a blend of a few things. The Ballito has a soft spot in my heart, the story is carried on the cover the cover photo itself is delightful in telling its own story), and lastly, the actual story is about love, new beginnings, hope and diversity. It makes me smile every time I read it.
SHARLENE ODAYAR
Operations DirectorÂ
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
It’s been a wonderful 11 years and 10 months. I’m a part of the furniture for sure!
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
Great leadership, the incredible culture of our company, and our team dynamics are just a few reasons why I love working here.
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
I love “Beauty & Creativity” in the February/March 2023 edition of The Ballito Magazine. The powerful opening image drew me in and it truly showcased the talent of young locals.
LUCILLE WENDLER
Sales DirectorÂ
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
I will soon celebrate 14 years with this incredible FabMags family.
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
I love the camaraderie, teamwork and support. Having been with FabMags for many years now, it’s been incredible to see how we’ve grown.
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
The front cover of The Ballito Magazine’s June/July 2023 edition is a highlight for me. I’m married to a fisherman so I have always wanted a stunning fishing-related front cover.
AMY MEYER
Sales Executive
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
Six years and nine months.
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
We have a family vibe in the office. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with. It makes work not feel like ‘work!
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
It has to be the “Celebrating 70 Editions of the Very Best on the East Coast” piece we did in the October/November 2023 edition of The Umhlanga Magazine. This mag is my ‘baby’ (because I am the main salesperson for it) and having seen it grow over the last six years makes me so proud!
NATASHA MINNAAR
Sales ExecutiveÂ
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
Two years and eight months.
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
FabMags feels like a family to me and the office feels like home.
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
I loved the article “Is Laughter the Best Medicine?” by contributor Karl Worner in the May/June 2023 edition of The Midlands Magazine. If there is something we do really well, it is laughing!
DHIVASHNI SINGH
Sales AdministratorÂ
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
Two years and seven months.
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
The FabMags team always encourages me to try new things. I have experienced a lot of ‘firsts’ since I started here.
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
“Turn Up the Speakers” in the December/ January 2023 edition of The Umhlanga Magazine is my favourite. I love the title because it’s a reference to a Martin Garrix song, my favourite DJ!
FAY HORACK
Accounts AdministratorÂ
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
13 months.
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
I get to give Justin Scott a LOT of lip! Just kidding – it’s definitely the girls I work with. I am the ‘old duck’ of the company and these girls keep me young at heart.
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
What resonates a lot with me is the Editor’s Notes by Justin Scott. They include a bit of information, inspiration, appreciation and humour!
JORDYN TROLLIPÂ
Copy Editor
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
I’ve worked at FabMags for two years and six months.
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
No matter what mood you’re in when you walk through the door, it’s difficult to feel low when you’re in the office with all the bright personalities.
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
This one! Naturally, we put so much effort into our pieces that showcase local people, so it has been exciting to organise an amazing “Meet the Team” that our team deserves!
CRISTINA GOVENDER
JournalistÂ
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
28 months so far!
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
Discovering new places, meeting some incredible people, and being able to tell their stories.
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
My favourite article is “Art With a Purpose” from the August/September 2023 edition of The Umhlanga Magazine. I loved learning about Sonaly’s story and the important things she’s accomplishing with her business.
KAI COATES
JournalistÂ
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
A fabulous two years and four months!
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
Having the ability to share and utilise my passion for writing.
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
If I had to pick one, it would be “A Coastal Christmas” from this December/January 2024 edition of The Ballito Magazine. It is an amazing spread and I will be dreaming about that food.
EVASHINI NAIDOO
Graphic Designer
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
It’s been six years and four months.
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
I love the passion and energy in the office and being part of a “mostly” all-girl team (not forgetting the amazing feeling of ringing that bell after a magazine goes to print!).
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
The “Decor of the Future” article about Prompt Punks, which was in The Estates Magazine Edition 35. They create the most beautiful, futuristic Al prints.
MICHAELA NAIDOO
Graphic Designer
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
One year and eight months.
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
I love my team! We get things done with support from each other, giggles and in-office sweet treats!
What is your favourite article of 2023 and why?
“The Duncan Family” feature in The Midlands Magazine March/April 2023 edition. I’m a sucker for a good family story, especially if it involves a family farming journey.
PHILEMON MAJOLA
Distribution Manager
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
It’s been two years and 11 months.
What do you love most about working at FabMags?
I’ve learnt so much about new places and areas since starting at FabMags.
What is your favourite distribution area?
Definitely the Midlands! I love the scenic routes and country feel of the area.
SPECIAL THANKS
Photographer: Pagiel Chetty | @pagielchetty
Ladies’ Clothes: MUZE | @muzeshop_
Location: Simbithi Eco-Estate | @simbithiecoestate