ABOUT US

The journey of purpose, talent, and creativity coming together to inspire transformation and meaningful change.

We Are a Smiley Heart Agency

Welcome to The South Africanist: Smiley Heart Agency

A Strategic Creative Social Impact Agency passionately dedicated to purpose, creativity, and positive transformation. Founded by Jesse Yende, a.k.a Mr. Smiley Heart, we are a collective of visionaries, storytellers, and strategists working to inspire individuals, businesses, and communities to create meaningful change. At the heart of everything we do is a singular philosophy: helping people and organizations find and live out their Smiley Heart—the unique fusion of purpose, talent, and creativity.

The Belief

At its core, the Smiley Heart Ideology is built on a universal truth: Human beings desire Meaning, Fulfillment, and Positive Impact. This belief inspires a journey of self-discovery and intentional living, where individuals align their actions with their inner potential to create a lasting difference.

The Foundation: Four Core Questions

The Smiley Heart Ideology invites you to explore four essential aspects of your life:

The "Why" = Purpose
Your purpose is the deeper meaning behind everything you do. It provides direction and answers the question, "Why am I here?"
The "What" = Talent
Talents are your natural gifts and abilities. They define "What do I bring to the world?" and equip you to fulfill your purpose.
The "How" = Creativity
Creativity is the unique way you express your talents. It’s about finding innovative solutions to challenges and exploring "How do I navigate life?"
The "Where" = 5 Life Domains
Life unfolds across five interconnected domains, which form the foundation of your experiences:
- Home: Relationships, family, and personal growth.
- Work/School: Career, education, and daily tasks.
- Alone: Reflection, healing, and self-nurturing.
- Spiritual: Faith, values, and deeper meaning.
- Social: Community, friendships, and societal impact.

The Smiley Heart Framework

The Smiley Heart Framework is a structured process that guides you from challenge to transformation. It consists of three stages:

1. Challenge → Discovering Purpose

Challenges are the starting point of growth. They help you uncover what truly matters, revealing your purpose.

Insight:
Challenges are opportunities to reflect on your values and priorities. They help you understand the "why" behind your actions.

2. Smiley Heart → Unlocking Talent and Creativity

This is where your talents and creativity come alive. By recognizing and embracing your strengths, you equip yourself to solve problems and create meaningful solutions.

Insight:
Your talents and creativity are tools that enable you to fulfill your purpose and face challenges with confidence.

3. Impact → Leaving a Legacy

The final stage is about transformation. Purpose, talent, and creativity converge to create positive, lasting change in your life and the lives of others.

Insight:
Impact reflects the legacy you leave—how your efforts contribute to the greater good and inspire others.

Why We Exist

We envision a world filled with Smiley Hearts—where people overcome challenges, embrace their uniqueness, and leave a positive legacy. Whether through workshops, campaigns, creative services, or community initiatives, our mission is clear: To unlock human potential and create a ripple effect of Smiley Hearts worldwide.

How It All Began: The Story Behind The South Africanist

Growing up in South Africa, Jesse Yende, known as Mr. Smiley Heart, cultivated a love for creativity and storytelling from an early age. His diverse journey across Art, Fashion, Theatre Arts, Multidisciplinary Design, Broadcasting, Advertising, and Creative Strategy prepared him to work across industries while nurturing his passion for connection and transformation. Throughout his career, Jesse noticed a common thread: people seeking meaning, joy, and purpose in their lives. This observation inspired him to create a platform to empower individuals and communities to unlock their potential by discovering their unique Smiley Heart. Thus, The South Africanist was born—a dynamic agency dedicated to blending creativity and social transformation. Today, it serves as a beacon for those aligning their values and aspirations with purposeful action.

Jesse's journey inspires change-makers everywhere to lead lives filled with joy, impact, and the transformative power of their Smiley Hearts.