FORMER MISS SA I BRAND STRATEGIST I MOM
Claudia Henkel, crowned Miss SA in 2004, is a South African marketing and brand strategist with more than 15 years of experience building some of the country’s leading consumer brands. She has led national product launches, retail marketing strategies, brand development, digital campaigns, public relations, influencer partnerships, and customer experience initiatives across the consumer electronics industry.
Passionate about innovation and meaningful storytelling, Claudia believes great marketing is about creating authentic connections between brands and people.
When she’s not working, she’s a devoted mom to twins, an avid animal lover, and someone who believes life’s greatest adventures happen outside the boardroom.
“Success isn’t about never falling—it’s about having the courage to get back up every single time.”
Claudia describes herself as resilient, creative and compassionate. Despite working in marketing, being comfortable speaking to thousands of people and attending glamorous events, she prefers the quite with happiest moments spending time with her children and animals, or “enjoying a lekker padel game”.
Q&A with Claudia
1. What’s your biggest achievement / Something you’re proud of yourself for?
“I’ve been fortunate to build and launch brands that people genuinely connect with, but my greatest achievement isn’t a campaign or a job title—it’s raising my twins. They’ve taught me resilience, perspective, and the importance of leading with kindness. Every challenge I’ve faced has only strengthened my determination to show them that with hard work, courage, and a little humour, anything is possible.”
2. What’s your biggest fear / something that holds you back?
“Like many women, I sometimes put enormous pressure on myself to get everything right. I’m a perfectionist by nature and often hold myself to incredibly high standards. Learning to let go, trust the process, and recognise that “done” can sometimes be better than “perfect” has been one of my biggest personal lessons.”
3. What’s your biggest contribution / Something you like to share?
“I genuinely love helping people succeed. Whether it’s mentoring someone in their career, supporting my team, connecting people with opportunities, or simply encouraging someone who’s having a difficult day, I believe kindness costs nothing. If I can make someone’s journey a little easier, that’s success to me.I have a feature “show” on Instagram and Facebook where I share advice, lessons, life and its a good laugh.”
3. Fun fact:
“I grew up on a smallholding surrounded by animals, and started riding off-road motorbikes at the age of 4. My family jokes that I don’t have an “off switch.” Whether I’m watching TV, driving, or shopping, I’m usually thinking of my next marketing idea!”
Thank you for being you!
Thank you for being you!
Discover Claudia ⬇️
You’re lovingly invited to spread the message. Simply SHARE this page wherever you can. One never knows who it might need to reach today.
🌟 SHARE HERE 🌟
Copyright/Disclaimer: The content on this page has been directly created & procured by SOW for the purposes of this website and this project. The contributors herein have each personally issued their material to SOW and all rights are reserved.
SOW 