Leigh-Anne Solanika is a South African trailblazing entrepreneur and founder of OnlyKind – a brand, marketing and advertising agency that leaves no stone unturned in making a big difference to their clients and to the world.
Established in 2019, OnlyKind has offices in the busy Johannesburg and Cape Town cities of South Africa and is well positioned to serve both local and international clients.
“I believe in the power of kindness because a little more of it in the world can make a profound difference,” says Leigh-Anne.
“This belief became the foundation of OnlyKind. Too often, businesses make decisions based on convention rather than genuine needs. A company once approached us for a full-scale rebrand, but after assessing their situation, we advised a simple refresh instead—an approach that was both more effective and cost-efficient.
“At OnlyKind, we prioritize what is right over what is expected, ensuring that every creative decision is purposeful, strategic, and truly beneficial rather than just following a formulaic process,” she adds.
Wealth of Experience
Leigh-Anne, who was born and raised in the Eastern Cape, remembers the deep love she had for art and creativity at a young age.
“This passion came naturally to me, making it clear that I was destined for a career in the advertising and creative industry. I pursued a bachelor’s degree in communication design in Gqeberha, where I had the incredible opportunity to work on a project that won Sappi Ideas That Matter for Thandusana Babies Home,” she says.
That milestone opened a door of opportunity for Leigh-Anne, who embarked on a career path that saw her acquire a wealth of experience across a multitude of industries including, mining, finance, insurance, travel, NGO’s, retail as well as property.
She recently completed a course from Harvard University on Sustainable Strategy, because she believes the impact of brands is not only for profit, but people and the planet.
Mostly though, her aim is to always inject kindness into the bones of all she does when achieving her goal of being on the right side of history through a sustainable view.
Pushing Beyond Boundaries
As the name of her company suggests, Leigh-Anne and her team strive to connect with their clients by showing them kindness and all the creative options available to them.
“I have always believed that creativity deserves a seat at every decision-making table. Creative thinkers naturally approach challenges differently, constantly finding innovative ways to communicate and inspire action.
“But beyond strategy and innovation, we deeply care about the people we work with. Collaboration, integrity, as well as genuine connection are what drive us forward. By embedding these principles into our creative process, we ensure that every project delivers results and makes a positive difference,” Leigh-Anne says.
“We operate in the advertising and marketing industry, specializing in branding and strategic creative solutions. Our core team consists of nine highly skilled professionals, but we operate on a permalancer model, allowing us to scale dynamically based on project needs.
“Currently, we have 17 brilliant minds collaborating on briefs, bringing diverse expertise and fresh perspectives. What sets us apart is our agility, strong industry partnerships and ability to push brands beyond expectations.”
Overcoming Challenges
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with both highs and lows, and challenges often come in unexpected ways.
Says Leigh-Anne: “One of the biggest obstacles I have faced is navigating the balance between creative integrity and business sustainability. In an industry where it is easy to just ‘give the client what they ask for,’ I have learned that true value lies in pushing for what they actually need—even if it’s not the easiest route.
“Another significant challenge has been building a business that stays agile without losing its core identity. The permalancer model we have embraced allows us to scale, but it also requires strong leadership, trust, and seamless collaboration to ensure that each project maintains the high standards we set.
“Starting OnlyKind on Friday, December 13th, 2019, just months before the world changed, reinforced our belief in staying agile, responsive, and purpose driven. The pandemic did not define us, but it shaped how we approach challenges—with resilience, creative problem-solving, and an unwavering focus on talking and actually listening to what the people want that we intend to move.”
“At OnlyKind, we have built something that does not just follow traditional agency models. We challenge them. While challenges will always come, the key lesson is this: stay true to your vision, trust your instincts, and always put people at the heart of what you do,” explains Leigh-Anne.
Resourcefulness Beats Resources
As an experienced entrepreneur, Leigh-Anne has learnt over the years that small businesses have a better chance of growing if their owners are able to build the right relationships and think outside the box.
“When you are starting out, you will not have the biggest team, the fanciest tools, or the deepest pockets—but what you do have is creativity, relationships, and the ability to outthink rather than outspend,” she says.
“Leverage partnerships, collaborate with like-minded people and find ways to add value that extends beyond traditional budgets. Play the long game. Not every client will be your dream client at first, but every experience teaches you something.
“Stay focused on the work, build a reputation for delivering results, and trust that the right opportunities will come. Be adaptable, but do not compromise your values. It is easy to take on anything just to get started, but staying true to your vision and purpose is what will set you apart,” Leigh-Anne concludes.
