Swipe iX and New Media Digital Marketing Specialist Sharen van Lill is celebrating her second Swipeaversary this month. Meet the supercreative behind Swipe’s digital marketing strategy and best Insta posts. (She didn’t write this herself. Promise.) 

How Did You Become a Digital Marketing Specialist?

Wow, where do I even start? After high school I pursued a law degree and studied an LLB at Stellenbosch University, but realised on my first day that law was nothing like they make it seem on Suits (best series ever, by the way). I left Stellenbosch shortly thereafter and spent the rest of the year bartending and working as an au pair, all the while trying to figure out what career path I wanted to follow. My mom is the Head of Digital Client Engagement at Sanlam and suggested that I take a look at digital marketing. I ended up completing my BCom digital marketing degree at Prestige Academy and managed to secure a job through my internship at dQ&A. In October 2019, I joined the Swipe iX family as a Marketing Manager and was recently promoted to Digital Marketing Specialist for both Swipe iX and New Media. 

What Motivates or Inspires You Careerwise?

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” – Anthony J D’Angelo

I consider myself a lifelong student and being in such a dynamic work environment keeps me on my toes everyday. I never know what challenge I might face, and what the day will bring, which keeps me excited and motivates me to do my job to the best of my ability.

What Do You Like Most About Working For Swipe iX?

The company culture. At Swipe we play hard, work harder and always look out for our fellow Swipers. I love my job, my team and just the energy at Swipe, which hasn’t dwindled even in lockdown. The Swipe iX culture is a breath of fresh air – it’s our home away from home.

‍Fun Facts About Sharen‍

“Earth” without “Art” is “Eh”

I love reading and DIYing, but my all-time favourite pastimes are sketching and painting. I’m an artist at heart and hope to one day spend my retirement days in a studio apartment somewhere in Europe, giving others a glimpse into how I view the world through the strokes, colours and patterns that make their way onto my canvas. My interests and preferences are fleeting, but art has been the one constant I haven’t outgrown over the years. I’ve sold a few pieces (under a pseudonym) and most of my work features female subjects expressed through bold colours and harsh paint strokes.

This or That

Happy Swipeaversary, Sharen! Thank you for sharing Swipe’s story with the world so beautifully. We look forward to celebrating many more Swipeaversaries with you.