Lorinda Scott – Founder & Co-CEO
Tell us a bit about creating FabMags
FabMags started as Estate Press because, right at the beginning, we only did estate-based magazines. When we branched out into community mags, we decided the name had to change to something that covered all that we do. It’s a cool story actually: two stay-at-home moms, who missed our monthly estate magazines (we had recently moved to Ballito), purely by accident started the first estate mag for the estate we lived in. In a blink of an eye (and because of a bit of a competitive streak as a competing JHB business started chatting to local estates), we decided this two-man band needed to expand. That is how it all started!
We have always been KZN-focused (we have it all covered from Ballito to Midlands). Today, we are 16 staff members strong with 10 print mags (community and estate-based), three locally based business directories, five estate-based digital magazines, and two/three under-license magazines for clients annually. As Justin always says, we are still successful because we LOVE what we do. We love the people we work with, we love the stories we get to tell, and we love being community-focused.
What do you love most about the Midlands?
I love that is it close to Ballito. You can go from the sea to the Midlands in just two hours – so awesome! I also love that it feels like a vacation, even if you go there for only a weekend. It is an area with salt-of-the-earth people and there is such a variety of products that are locally made. It is a true KZN gem!
Justin Scott – Co-Founder
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
If I’ve got it right, it’ll be 16 years! It doesn’t feel that long but I guess that’s because when you’re having fun, you’re not keeping score of the passing years.
What is your favourite article from The Midlands Magazine?
There have been so many good stories but the one I really love is the article about Stuart Macaskill from Fairfield Farm, which featured in our very first edition. We titled it “A Boy and his Cow” and the opening pic is just epic.
Sharlene Odayar – Operations Director
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
12 fantastic years filled with awesome memories!
What is your favourite article from The Midlands Magazine?
It was difficult to choose just one, but the article that stands out for me is “Art Culture” in the September/October 2021 edition. I was blown away by the artists’ talent and the design of the article.
Lucille Wendler – Sales Director
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
14 glorious years!
What do you love the most about the Midlands?
I love the Midlands Meander. I also enjoy the Midlands during the colder months. It’s a lot colder than Ballito, so it feels like ‘real’ winter. There’s just something about a fireplace and trout fly fishing during winter! Who doesn’t love the country life?
Ceagan Scott – Sales Executive
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
One month and one week officially!
What do you love most about the Midlands?
My favourite part of the Midlands is how peaceful it is. It’s a place where you can sit and get some fresh air and forget about the hustle and bustle of the work week. I also love the coffee culture in the Midlands. I know that wherever you go you’ll get a really good cappuccino.
Fay Horack – Accounts Administrator
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
One and a half years.
What do you love most about the Midlands?
I love the beauty and tranquillity of the area – it’s truly magical!
Jordyn Trollip – Copy Editor
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
I’ve worked at FabMags for two years and nine months.
What do you love most about the Midlands?
The unique variety of experiences draws me to the Midlands. You can find a hidden spot to completely escape everyday life, but you can also visit bustling restaurants, cafes and quaint shops to get that real community feeling.
Alicia Du Plessis – Journalist
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
I have been a part of the FabMags family for over two years and five months now.
What is your favourite article from The Midlands Magazine?
I really loved the “Qambathi Mountain Lodge Hosts Tom Cruise” article in the September/October 2023 edition. I feel inspired by Cruise’s passion and work ethic as an actor. Being able to indirectly be a part of something that he and his team were a part of here in the Midlands was special to me.
Kai Coates – Journalist
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
A fabulous two and a half years!
What is your favourite article from The Midlands Magazine?
It has to be “Be One With Nature” in the January/February 2024 edition. Hiking and sleeping in a cave, and then writing about it, was an amazing experience that I will cherish forever.
Michaela Naidoo – Graphic Designer
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
I have been with this amazing company for two years now.
What do you love most about the Midlands?
I have always been fixated on the dream of one day owning a little plot of land in the Midlands with a stream running through the property and a few animals to add to the whole country lifestyle. I love that the Midlands is so laidback, the air is fresh, and every little shop you enter has so much character.
Philemon Majola – Distribution Manager
How long have you been part of the FabMags family?
It’s been three years and one month.
What is your favourite distribution area?
Definitely the Midlands! I love the scenic routes and country feel of the area.
Other Members of Our Team
