Yellow Owl

31/07/2025

YELLOW OWL TURNS 5!!! - "THROWBACK CONTENT"
💛 🌟 🎂 🎉

In the beginning, there was "GOOD VIBES WITH THULI" 😁

WOW...This was my first YouTube Channel that premiered at the peak of Covid (July 2020 - to be exact). I remember it was such a scary yet exciting time to be alive, nothing was impossible!

- "Dream it - Affirm it - Create it - and Share it!"

💡 Here are some valuable insights from this creative experience that are still relevant today:

1) The power of PERSONAL BRANDING: I handled myself as a brand. The names Thuli Zikalala and Yellow Owl were a brand, big or small - it doesn't matter. Your name is a brand.

2) Share your AUTHENTIC Story: Don't be afraid to share your life experiences, opinions and heartfelt emotions in a genuine way. Keep it real, be vulnerable.

3) Show YOUR FACE: This builds trust with your audience. People want to see you and know who you are.

4) TAKE RISKS: We experimented with different graphic and visual elements. You'll notice the interpreter CIRCLE, instead of the traditional box - I mean, why not?
Also, you see my face twice in two different roles. As a creative team, we decided that "Thuli Zikalala" was the presenter of the channel; while "Yellow Owl" was the SASL interpreter - 2 in 1 - That's smart!

5) Leverage on your UNIQUE SKILLS: I have strong communication skills and I'm naturally comfortable in front of the camera. (This is thanks to many years of developing my public speaking skills with hashtag ).

6) Create, create, create: Create MORE CONTENT than you consume. Add value, share your ideas, bring something unique to the creative table.

7) Use SOCIAL MEDIA and ONLINE PLATFORMS: During Covid, everything was online. It was a great way to make the most of this opportunity. The YouTube channel and the content we produced was a groundbreaking moment, especially in the SASL interpreting industry. No one else was doing this at the time.

8) The DREAM TEAM: This could never be possible without the support, guidance and patience of people who were smarter than me, and knew more than me. Special thanks to:
- Mav Inc (Creative Director), Chapo Studios (Editor and Post Production), and Nsiki Sibande (Social Media and Marketing).
******
All 10 episodes are still available online. You can WATCH, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT and SHARE! 💛

👉 Click on the link:
https://youtu.be/YnOwCSA-xJ4?si=zKlLqjh6U2cZxYAS

"Never Stop Dreaming!"

30/07/2025

YELLOW OWL TURNS 5!!! - "Should I quit my 9-5 job?"
💛 🎉 🎂 🌟

Well...this is not an easy decision to make because of the risk involved. However, if you have a solid plan in place and are willing to stick it out as long as possible - it could be the beginning of a completely new life.

💡 Here are some useful tips that helped me make the decision:

🔸 Evaluate the REAL reasons why you want to leave: Do you want to explore a unique business idea? Maybe you want to be in control of your own time? Are you a creative person at heart? Or perhaps you are simply unhappy in your current workplace? Be honest with yourself and don't compare your situation to other people.

🔸 Consider the LONG-TERM goal for your life: Entrepreneurship is a difficult and unpredictable journey; often involving long hours with little return at first. You need to understand this harsh reality before making the decision. With that said, the long-term rewards are equally satisfying - there is potential for multiple income streams; and you can enjoy great flexibility with family, self development, or taking time to travel.

🔸 What's your financial situation? It's important to have enough savings that will cushion you for the next 6 -12 months. First consult with your family and friends and get their support because they too will be affected by your decision.
******
Here's my takeaway: Whether it's starting a business, being a freelancer or following your true passion, it takes true grit and determination. You need to have a logical plan in place beyond "Being your own boss" - the hustle is real, it gets lonely and disheartening at times.

Steady does it. Be kind to yourself. Ask for help. Roll up your sleeves...and remember to always believe in yourself! 💛

29/07/2025

YELLOW OWL TURNS 5 - "FIND YOUR WHY"
💛 🎉 🌟 🎂

Discovering your purpose usually starts with looking WITHIN. It often requires reflection on identifying your values and passions, while exploring your unique strengths.

💡 Here are some helpful questions to "Finding Your Why":

- What do you love doing? Think of something that makes you feel alive and causes you to lose track of time. You can do this all day long.

- What bothers you the most? Try to identify a social injustice or problem that needs addressing; that you feel passionate about solving.

- Just start. Take calculated risks and step into the unknown. You need to keep trying new things and grow out your comfort zone.

Commit to doing this, and each day will unfold with exciting opportunities to connect with like-minded people who are also on a similar journey of discovery!

28/07/2025

YELLOW OWL TURNS 5!!!
💛 🎉 🌟 🎂

It’s hard to believe that just 5 years ago, 2020, right in the middle of Covid, I was inspired to register Yellow Owl in my bedroom.
It was so clear. It felt so right. No regrets whatsoever.

Every decision, every risk, every win, every victory was worth it all!

A BIG thank you to everyone who supported the vision - THANK YOU! 💛

Over the past 5 years, Yellow Owl has enjoyed success in: Pioneering SASL podcasts, winning awards, receiving media attention, creative collaborations, wide social media and online reach, exciting opportunities to team up with exclusive brands, and international travel.

Yellow Owl commits to advancing the SASL interpreting industry, partnering with the Deaf community, being a mentor to others, staying true to the God-given purpose, taking more risks, professional and ethical conduct, pushing boundaries, inspiring other entrepreneurs, women, and young leaders…and enjoying the journey!

Life has a natural rhythm: People come and go. Doors open and close.

Here's to another 5 wonderful years of embracing new challenges, letting go of what no longer serves the vision, making new connections, achieving new heights, and continuing the Yellow Owl Legacy!!! 🥂

- With Love, Gratitude and Humility.

22/07/2025

21/07/2025

We had a wonderful time at Actor Spaces as lula.xyz graced us with her presence.

As a trailblazing electronic artist, performer, and multidisciplinary storyteller, she presented a powerful session on The Future of Theatre. 🚀

Lula is pushing the boundaries of performance with her non-linear anthology theatre series - a multi-sensory experience powered by MiMu Gloves, wearable tech that allows her to control sound, video, lighting, and music through movement -so cool! 🌟

Truly inspirational - Thank you!! 💛

18/07/2025

- IT'S A BEAUTIFUL WRAP!!!
🌍 🌟 🌍 🎉

Another successful celebration of creativity, culture and collaboration in Africa and around the world.

🔸 58 Artists
🔸 30 Countries
🔸 5 Days.. And More😊

Looking forward to the next PACE 5th Edition event!! 🥂

Pan-African Creative Exchange

17/07/2025

!!!
🎼🎤⭐️

A powerful performance by Melissa James - singer, songwriter and performer from North West London.

- Music connects us all. 💛

Pan-African Creative Exchange

16/07/2025

Reminder: Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in Ireland Still Open

There is still time to apply for a fully funded scholarship to pursue a world-class education in Ireland. This opportunity is for early to mid-career professionals with leadership potential from select countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

If you're committed to returning home and contributing to your country's development, this is your chance to gain the knowledge and tools to make an impact.
Eligible African countries include: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Mauritius.
This is more than a degree. It's an investment in your future and your country's.

Learn more and apply here: https://canoncollins.org/scholarship/our-scholarships/

16/07/2025

🎭🎶🎨✨

"One of many, many of one" - A multisensory poetic performance by Lula Mebrahtu, Lula. XYZ - UK. .xyz

"Autoplay" - Explores the encounter between humans and machines by Louise Coetzer, Darkroom Contemporary, Cape Town.

16/07/2025

🎭🎶🎨✨

"One of many, many of one" - A multisensory poetic performance by Lula Mebrahtu, Lula. XYZ - UK.

"Autoplay" - Explores the encounter between humans and machines by Louise Coetzer, Darkroom Contemporary, Cape Town.

Pan-African Creative Exchange

15/07/2025

The 2025 Change Maker Award is now open for applications.

We're looking for bold, practical projects that make a real difference in local communities. If you're a Canon Collins scholar or alumnus working on an initiative with proven impact, this is your chance to apply
Theme: Act local to make a difference. Stand up. Start local. Spark change.
Three winning projects will each receive R20,000 in funding. This round is open only to Canon Collins Trust scholars and alumni. If you've received the award in the past five years, you're not eligible this time.

Key dates
Applications open: 11 July
Deadline: 10 August
Apply here: [https://forms.gle/jbVWGchdV5PgHHHL9]
More info: [https://canoncollins.org/alumni/inspirational-change-makers/]