Mellow Creme

ABOUT ME

Hey there, I’m Tabvi Motsi, affectionately known as Mellow. With over two decades in brand development, I’m a multi-hyphenate creative professional dedicated to delivering results. As a Brand Storyteller, Strategist, and Creative Director, I shape compelling narratives and strategies for brands across industries. Leveraging my expertise in marketing and design, I’ve spearheaded initiatives that drove remarkable revenue growth and market expansion. Additionally, as a design thinking coach, I guide individuals and startups to unlock their creative potential, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth.

Committed to community service, I’m an active member of the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga, where I collaborate with fellow members on impactful initiatives that uplift our community. Beyond my professional endeavors, I’m deeply passionate about writing and illustration, using storytelling and visual art to inspire and engage audiences. As a pop culture fanatic with a love for music, I draw inspiration from diverse sources to infuse creativity into my work. My mission is to not only create captivating content but also to elevate African brands onto a global stage, championing authenticity, creativity, and social impact.

EXPERIENCE

January 2022 – End of 2023

Global Brand Director

In my two-year role at Jibu Inc., I spearheaded the brand and marketing strategy across eight operating countries. Notable achievements include reshaping the Jibu brand messaging with the introduction of the tagline ‘A Better Life’ and creating a multilingual theme song used across online marketing collateral and BTL activations. I also developed new brand guidelines in line with our GLOCAL essence and visuals.

Additionally, I managed marketing campaign budgets, coordinated print production, and oversaw the hiring process. Utilizing marketing research, I fine-tuned sales, marketing, and branding strategies to ensure alignment with our objectives. Regular engagement with franchisees and franchisors allowed for the sharing of concepts and suggestions for new advertising campaigns. Other responsibilities included coordinating external and internal store branding, developing marketing materials, and introducing an online Brand Bank for all assets. Evaluating campaign success, supervising Online Reputation Management, managing public relations, and writing/editing speeches and website content were also key aspects of my role.

November 2008 – December 2021

Co-founder and Creative Director

As Co-founder and Creative Director of Mawazo Brandevelopment from November 2008 to December 2021, I played a pivotal role in developing fresh concepts for clients’ branding, advertising campaigns, and marketing communications in collaboration with the design and marketing teams. This involved analyzing patterns, evaluating new information, and staying abreast of advertising strategies to tailor campaigns to each client’s needs. Additionally, I oversaw creative sessions, ensured marketing collateral adhered to brand standards, and managed project timelines and workflows.

During a one-year merger stint, I co-founded and operated Jupiter Drawing Room Zimbabwe, one of Africa’s most successful ad agencies. In this role, I continued to develop fresh concepts for clients’ branding and advertising campaigns, collaborated closely with design and marketing teams, and provided client services. Supervising creative sessions, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines, and managing daily studio operations were also part of my responsibilities. Additionally, I contributed to illustration for storyboards and packaging design, as well as copywriting tasks.

EDUCATION

2022 - 2023

MBA in PR and Advertising

Universidad Catolica de Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain

Having successfully completed my MBA in Public Relations and Advertising, I’ve honed my expertise in strategic communication and brand management. This advanced degree has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of crafting compelling narratives, executing effective advertising campaigns, and orchestrating successful public relations initiatives. Armed with this specialized knowledge, I’m equipped to navigate the intricacies of the marketing landscape, driving impactful strategies and propelling brands toward success.

1998 - 2001

Diploma in Graphic Design for Print

Harare Polytechnic College, Zimbabwe

Following my completion of A Levels, I pursued a Diploma in Design for Print from Harare Polytechnic College, Zimbabwe. This esteemed qualification, achieved after my A Levels, was regarded as the pinnacle of graphic design education in Africa at the time. As an award-winning student, I excelled in the program, demonstrating exceptional skills and knowledge in graphic design and print production. The comprehensive curriculum equipped me with proficiency in design software, layout principles, typography, and color theory, positioning me as a leader in the industry. This diploma marked a significant milestone in my educational journey, laying the foundation for my successful career as a graphic designer and creative professional.

SKILLS

90%

Adobe Illustrator

I am adept at utilizing Adobe Illustrator to create intricate vector graphics and captivating illustrations.

90%

Adobe InDesign

Having honed my expertise in Adobe InDesign, I excel in crafting visually appealing layouts and publications that effectively communicate messages and capture attention.

81%

Social Media Management

With a solid foundation in social media management, I specialize in developing and executing strategic plans that drive engagement, foster brand awareness, and cultivate strong relationships with online communities.

92%

Adobe Photoshop

Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, I possess the skills to expertly edit and manipulate photos, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and creativity.

65%

WordPress & Elementor

I am capable of constructing and customizing websites, ensuring they meet the unique needs and preferences of clients.

65%

Figma

While my familiarity with Figma is still growing, I am actively engaged in designing user interfaces.

AWARDS

Jibu Rwanda - 2023 Rwanda's Best Drinking Water of the Year

Jibu Kenya - The Kenya Beverage Excellence Awards and Top Star Awards 2022

Jibu Inc named Top 16 in the Utopia and World Economic Forum Urban Innovation Challenge - 2023

6 Zimbabwe Ngoma Awards in 2014 (The Ngomas are Zimbabwe’s premium advertising awards) ​