When Zinhle stumbled upon that TikTok, she had no idea it would spark her curiosity about the digital world. Without a formal degree, she started learning about digital marketing services and gradually found a path she enjoyed.
Turning Point: A Random TikTok Click
That night, Zinhle lay in bed. The room was dark, and the only light came from the cracked screen of her Android phone. She scrolled through TikTok, wondering if tomorrow's interview would be yet another disappointment.
Video after video played, and she thought she was just passing time. But then, one clip caught her attention—a young woman sharing how she had discovered online advertising and began learning something entirely new.
Zinhle didn’t skip this time. She watched it closely. The video wasn’t full of grand promises—just someone sharing their journey from zero. For the first time, she realized: maybe the internet wasn’t just noise. Maybe it had something worth exploring.
It Starts with Curiosity, Not Credentials
She had no idea what a digital marketing company really did, or what a marketing degree entailed. But she started following creators who shared related content, watched free intro lessons, and tried out design tools on her phone.At first, everything felt unfamiliar. But she realized this kind of content wasn’t like boring school lectures—it was full of real-world examples and hands-on actions. She started to understand: advertising wasn’t just “selling,” it was communicating value through content.
A Digital World Anyone Can Explore
She wasn’t trying to become an expert overnight. She was just curious. Every night, she’d spend thirty minutes watching how others planned social content or managed brand pages.
Sometimes, she’d see part-time roles in local businesses related to online promotion. She didn’t know how to apply, but she paid attention to the job descriptions. One day, she typed: “marketing agency near me” just to see if people in South Africa were hiring.
Not About Luck, Just Willingness to Try
Zinhle hadn’t switched careers. She was still doing the same day job. But she didn’t feel stuck anymore—because late at night, she knew she was learning something new.
She began jotting down ideas, taking notes on common ad formats, and even wrote a few promotional captions for her friend’s shop. No one paid her for it—she didn’t ask. She was just applying what she learned.
Sometimes, “learning” isn’t about passing exams or making money fast. It’s about discovering a new way to look at the world.
The World Is Bigger Than You Think
Zinhle’s life didn’t change overnight—but her mindset did. She no longer felt stuck, because she saw a different possibility.
Not everyone needs to become a marketing expert. Not everyone needs a degree. But maybe—everyone deserves a starting point. Even if it’s just a moment of curiosity.
She still scrolls TikTok, but now she pauses when she sees clips about “online advertising” or “digital marketing services.”
Not because she must—just because she’s curious how far the world can go.
AI-Assisted Content Disclaimer
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by a human for accuracy and clarity.