Taryn Victor: The Storyteller Behind Diary of a Whimsical Girl
Taryn Victor, the creative force behind Diary of a Whimsical Girl and founder of Phoenix Media, shares how she turned her passion for storytelling into purpose. From authentic brand creation to co-authoring Simply Becoming, she inspires others to live, create, and grow with heart, faith, and honesty.
A creative force with heart, humour, and honesty — Taryn Victor shares how she turned her passion for storytelling into purpose through Diary of a Whimsical Girl, Phoenix Media, and her latest co-authored book, Simply Becoming.
I write from the heart, in my own way and style.
Taryn Victor
How Taryn Victor Found Her Voice
What first drew you to storytelling?
I’ve always been inspired by other people’s stories and how they overcame challenges to make their dreams come true. Their journeys encouraged me to pursue my own dreams and showed me what’s possible. Over the years, I’ve met many wonderful individuals whose resilience and determination deeply moved me. Knowing how much their stories inspired me, I wanted to share them to encourage others in the same way. That’s what sparked my love for storytelling.
The Birth of Diary of a Whimsical Girl
How did Diary of a Whimsical Girl come to life, and what does the name represent to you?
I wanted a platform where I could share my voice and tell my story, a diary of my life, the lessons I’ve learned, and the wonderful things I get to experience with others. I envisioned it as something fun, playful, and a reflection of my whimsical journey. Hence, Diary of a Whimsical Girl came to life and has been my brand for the past eight years.
You describe yourself as “multi-passionate.” How do you find your focus?
I am blessed to work on my business, Phoenix Media, Diary of a Whimsical Girl, and other creative projects, but that requires focus and good time management. I choose to concentrate on one area and one task at a time so I can complete them without feeling overwhelmed. This helps me give my full attention to each task and do my best before moving on to the next one.
Balancing Creativity and Business Through Phoenix Media
What inspired you to start Phoenix Media, and how does it differ from traditional marketing agencies?
I wanted to build something unique where I could combine my love for content creation and storytelling to help my clients build brands they love while saving them time to focus on their businesses. As a business owner, marketing and communication are key to keeping your brand messaging cohesive. I get to do what I love while my clients have peace of mind knowing their content and messaging are consistent across their chosen marketing platforms, allowing them to focus on growing their business.
How did it feel to be recognised as the Best Content Creation Services Provider 2025 – South Africa?
Being recognised as the Best Content Creation Services Provider 2025 in South Africa was such a humbling and exciting moment. I’m really grateful for this honour, and it means so much knowing that the work I love doing every day is making an impact.
What are the biggest challenges of running a creative business in South Africa?
One of the biggest challenges of running a creative business in South Africa is dealing with disruptions like water outages and, in the past, load shedding, especially when working from home. These interruptions can really affect workflow and productivity, so finding ways to stay flexible and keep projects on track is key.
How do you help clients find their voice and turn ideas into compelling brand stories?
I start by really listening to my clients, understanding their vision, what they want to communicate, and the key focus for the month, whether it is brand messaging, a theme, or highlighting a product or service. From there, we develop a strategy together, and I bring it to life through content that tells their story in a way that is authentic, engaging, and true to their brand.
Writing, Faith, and the Art of Staying Authentic
What does a typical “creative day” look like for you — or is there no such thing?
Each day is a little different, but I like to plan my tasks for the week ahead. My mornings usually start with prayer and sometime journaling, followed by meetings and client work. This routine helps me stay grounded and focused, even when each day brings something new.
How do you handle creative burnout or self-doubt when it strikes?
When creative burnout hits, I make it a point to take breaks, going for a walk in the garden, jogging, or enjoying a cup of coffee at a local café with my mother. Stepping away from my laptop allows my mind to rest and process my work, and being in different surroundings often sparks fresh ideas.
When self-doubt creeps in, I reflect on how far I have come and everything I have achieved. I remind myself of the challenges I have overcome and that I am doing my best. I also lean on my faith, praying and trusting that God has given me a purpose to fulfil, which helps me regain confidence and keep moving forward.
What advice would you give to aspiring content creators who want to turn passion into purpose?
I would tell aspiring content creators to stay true to their voice and focus on creating content that genuinely reflects their passion. Be consistent, patient, and willing to learn along the way, because turning passion into purpose takes time and effort. Also, don’t be afraid to share your story, experiment with new ideas, and connect with others who inspire you. When your work comes from a place of authenticity, it will resonate with the right audience and open doors for opportunities.
How do you choose which stories or people to feature on Diary of a Whimsical Girl?
The people I get to interview work in the industries I am most passionate about, including the arts, entertainment, and creative sectors. I have had the privilege of interviewing musicians as well as dancers in ballet and theatre.
You write with honesty and heart — how do you maintain authenticity in an age of digital noise?
I write from the heart, in my own way and style.
How has your storytelling evolved from journalism to brand creation and now to co-authoring a book?
My storytelling has evolved alongside my creativity and passion for writing. From my work in journalism to helping clients build brands they love, I have learned to use my gifts to tell stories professionally. Co-authoring Simply Becoming has been a new and exciting chapter for me, as it allows me to share my personal story with the world in a way I never have before. Collaborating with my amazing co-authors has been a career highlight, and I hope that the story I share will inspire and support others on their own journeys.
How did your contribution to Simply Becoming reflect your own personal growth?
Writing my story for Simply Becoming was a time of reflection. It reminded me of the strength I have shown through the many challenges I have faced. The process was healing in its own way and allowed me to let go of past narratives, moving forward with grace and embracing the woman God always intended me to become. Looking back on the question of self-doubt, this chapter also reminded me that even though I have faced moments of uncertainty along my journey, keeping the faith that better things are ahead has always carried me through.
What message do you hope readers take away from the book?
Allow yourself to live from a place of honesty, ease, and acceptance. Release what no longer serves you and remember that you are already enough, while continuously growing and becoming the person you are meant to be.
How do you personally “return to yourself” when life feels overwhelming or busy?
I try my best to rest and read the Bible, and sometimes a call with a close friend helps me reconnect with myself.
Describe your writing process. Do you wait for inspiration or do you have a set structure?
I have my own process for writing and creating content. I usually start by organizing my ideas and setting a clear goal for what I want to communicate.
Women-Led Storytelling and Content Creation in South Africa
How do you see content creation evolving in South Africa — especially for women-led brands?
I see content creation in South Africa growing in exciting ways, especially for women-led brands. More women are stepping into spaces to share their stories and build authentic connections with their audiences, and social media has made it easier to do that creatively. I think the focus will continue to shift toward storytelling that feels real and personal. For women-led brands, this is a huge opportunity to showcase their vision, values, and creativity while building meaningful engagement with their communities.
How do you see your story evolving into the future?
I see my story continuing to evolve as I grow both personally and professionally. I want to keep using my creativity and storytelling to inspire others, whether through my writing, my business, or collaborative projects like co-authoring a book. I also see myself exploring new ways to share my journey, connecting with more people, and embracing opportunities that challenge me to learn, grow, and become the best version of myself while helping others along the way.
What’s next for you — and what kind of legacy do you hope your words and work will leave behind?
I hope to continue growing my brand and business globally, sharing more stories and making a meaningful impact. I want people to remember that anything is possible when you take that first step and make the most of what you have. Our circumstances don’t define us; the dreams in your heart are yours to pursue. I hope the stories I share inspire others and encourage them to keep going, no matter the challenges, and to never give up on what they truly want to achieve.
Images courtesy of Taryn Victor | www.phoenix-media.co.za
