Charnia Yapp, founder of Change 1 Woman and Publisher at Practical Publishing, reflects on her career journey, the opportunities available to women in the print and packaging industry, and the importance of confidence, mentorship and creating opportunities for women to grow and succeed.
As part of the Change 1 Woman (C1W) Women’s Month interview series, Yapp shares her perspective on supporting women in leadership and technical roles, the value of industry connections and the evolving opportunities within print and packaging. She also discusses the trends shaping the industry and offers advice to young women considering a career in the sector.
Looking back on your career, what has been the defining moment or biggest lesson you have learned?
There have been two defining moments in my career that required a leap of faith and a level of bravery I did not know I possessed.
The first was starting my PR consultancy. I could not have done it without my husband’s unwavering support, encouragement, office space and network. His belief in me gave me the confidence to take that first step.
The second was going into business with my current business partner, Dyelan Copeland, and becoming equal partners in 2005. That decision shaped the direction of my career and we have had many years of a great working partnership.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is to value the people who believe in your potential. I deeply appreciate the good men who support, encourage and stand alongside women as they grow and lead.
What do you believe is the biggest opportunity for women in South Africa’s print and packaging industries today?
Many of us did not choose this industry, it chose us. Once you are part of it, you quickly realise how diverse and exciting it is.
Print, packaging and signage naturally bridge the STEAM framework, combining creative design with engineering, technology and technical expertise. STEAM is an educational approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. The addition of the Arts, including visual arts, language, design and humanities, encourages creativity, innovation and holistic problem solving.
This creates incredible opportunities for women to build careers that are both creative and highly skilled, while making a real impact across multiple industries.
Can you imagine a world without print, packaging or even signage? I can’t. It is an integral part of our daily lives.
What more can the industry do to encourage and support women entering leadership and technical roles?
We need to actively promote women into technical and leadership positions, while giving them the tools, training and support they need to succeed.
Do not do it to tick the boxes. Do it because women have strengths and real value to add in business.
Visibility also matters. When women see others leading, they can also see themselves doing the same.
I am really passionate about Change 1 Woman (C1W.co.za) because it demonstrates the power of connection. Connection is often underestimated, yet it has the ability to change careers, build confidence and create lifelong friendships.
Change 1 Woman was created to connect women across the printing, signage and branding industries, using our industry publications and exhibitions as platforms to share stories, learn from one another and build meaningful relationships.
Mentorship is equally important. Initiatives like the PrintHER Mentorship Programme, which Printing SA launched this year, help women develop professionally and build the confidence to take the next step in their careers.
What industry trend or innovation excites you most, and why?
The focus on sustainability excites me most.
We have a responsibility to look after our planet and leave future generations with a healthy planet. I am encouraged to see more businesses sincerely embracing sustainable materials, processes and innovation without greenwashing.
I am also really interested in how AI can be used as a tool, with human direction, to speed up processes and drive innovation.
What advice would you give to a young woman considering a career in print or packaging?
Go for it!
This is an incredible industry where you can combine your business, technical and creative skills every day. You will have opportunities to work on exciting projects while collaborating with passionate, talented people.
It is an industry that is constantly evolving, offers endless opportunities to learn and innovate, and allows you to make a meaningful contribution while building a rewarding career.
C1W Initiative
Change 1 Woman (C1W) aims to empower women in the branding, print and signage industries. As part of this initiative, Sign Africa would like to spotlight women-focused content like this piece. If you have any trend/business articles related to the signage, branding and printing industries, please email content to: info@c1w.co.za. Follow C1W on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
PRACTICAL PUBLISHING
practicalpublishing.co.za
