By Shumirai Chimombe
“Nothing great takes place in comfort zones. Stepping out, facing the fear, and having faith in the outcomes that the right team and strategy can achieve is where the magic happens.”
With a mission centered on enabling South Africans to act boldly in the face of uncertainty, the ‘growth hacking’ agency Faith & Fear provides innovative solutions and tailored marketing and advertising strategies that foster growth and resilience.
Founded by two women Taryn Sharman & Perri King in 2016, Faith & Fear has not only generated R20-million in direct revenue in the last financial year alone, but has created an R80-million network effect, with over 25 female job opportunities directly tied to their ecosystem.
“Our innovative approach isn’t just about business, it’s about building a sustainable future that empowers women, disrupts outdated models, and amplifies collective impact.”
This pioneering business has transformed the traditional communications agency model into a sustainable modular ecosystem, proving that impactful business can thrive without a conventional structure. And for this, they were awarded the Top Women-Owned Business SMME Award 2024, sponsored by Standard Bank.
“This incredible achievement is not just a win for us but a victory for everyone who has been part of our journey,” the agency said in response to this recognition. “Over the past decade, we’ve strived to build a business that empowers, inspires, and redefines what it means to lead with purpose. Winning this award is a reflection of the courage, collaboration, and resilience that we all share.”
A bold and purpose-driven agency
Faith & Fear has strategically partnered with flagship South African businesses over the last three years and their innovative communications methodologies have impacted their clients’ business objectives. These include Profmed – the country’s largest restricted medical scheme (+70 000 members supported and growing annually); Liberty/Standard Bank Group Insurance and Asset Management (+5 000 internal employees’ strategic communications culture curated); and Talent10 Holdings – the largest entertainment and gaming studio (billions of rands of capital secured).
Their unique approach focuses on merging business prowess – namely; growth-hacking (the rapid experimentation and repeated testing within any discipline to make improvements to a product or service), business strategy, and marketing – with the often neglected soft-skills such as self-discovery, leadership, and personal empowerment. This helps their suppliers, clients and collaborators unlock their full potential in both business and life.
“We are not a conventional agency. Faith & Fear goes beyond traditional moulds to become true business partners for our contractors and our clients, offering more than just marketing services. Our approach is fearless, rooted in creativity, data, and close collaboration with clients.”
Faith & Fear thrives on boldness, pushing boundaries to drive real change. They do this by disrupting norms and embracing out-of-the-box thinking and taking calculated risks that set them apart. They also support clients in navigating changes confidently and embracing innovation.
Building a thriving network of women-owned businesses
“The growth of Faith & Fear can be directly attributed to the success and expansion of our women-centered contractor approach. By delivering value to both our contractors and the wider female community, we have built a reputable, sustainabl brand. This growth has enabled us to reach a larger audience and facilitate scalability.”
As a 100% female-owned enterprise, Faith & Fear are committed to empowering women in tangible ways. Annually the business invests R10-million in its network of women contractors, ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to grow their businesses sustainably. “This investment reflects our belief in the value women bring to the business world and has allowed our contractors to create lasting impact within their own ventures, while driving economic growth in their communities.”
The investment has translated into increased revenue and growth for these contractors, who benefit from a steady flow of work, resources, and mentorship. In turn, they have created job opportunities for other women, amplifying the positive ripple effect within local economies.
The contractor model has grown by over 40% in the last three years, with a workforce that is 90% women from diverse backgrounds. Faith & Fear empowers each contractor by providing flexible opportunities that allow them to lead initiatives and pitch innovative ideas.
The business plans to scale the programme by an additional 25%, bringing even more talented women into its ecosystem and creating new opportunities for job creation and skill development.
The Brave Collective – empowering women in business and in life
“As women in business and mothers ourselves, we quickly realised that there wasn’t a space addressing the unique, holistic needs of women – not only in business or corporate environments but across every facet of life. Women needed a place to have brave conversations about money, wealth, business, and the personal aspects that shape us.”
Understanding that net worth is directly linked to self-worth, the business launched The Brave Collective, a dedicated women’s empowerment Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative.
This powerful not-for-profit community serves as an essential platform for women’s advancement, focusing on economic independence, leadership development, and wealth-building. The Brave Collective offers specialised events, networking opportunities, skills development, personal growth and practical resources designed specifically for women in the workplace. By creating a safe and inclusive environment it allows women to tackle hard topics, build wealth, and invest in what truly matters to them.
From financial literacy workshops to leadership seminars, The Brave Collective empowers women with the knowledge and tools they need to make confident, impactful decisions in both their personal and professional lives. So far its initiatives have reached over 1,000 women across South Africa, empowering more women to achieve financial independence, grow their businesses, and build thriving communities across South Africa.
“Our dedication to empowering women and fostering gender equality is not only reflected in our organisational growth but also in the tangible impact we have made on countless lives. Through innovative programmes, sustainable initiatives, and a vision that aligns with the advancement of women in business, we are building a legacy that uplifts women across South Africa. We are passionate about creating a future where women have equal opportunities, voices, and support networks.”
In this journey, Faith & Fear stands as a beacon of change – built to make a real difference by leading with courage, driving client success, and generating meaningful impact for women and businesses alike.
“We look forward to continuing our journey and contributing to the economic empowerment of South African women for many years to come. We are more motivated than ever to continue breaking barriers, driving innovation, and uplifting those around us. Here’s to celebrating bold moves, building brighter futures, and continuing this journey of impact – together.”
