This festive season, South African parents have the perfect opportunity to invest in their daughters’ futures with the gift of inner confidence, self-worth, and inspiration. The newly launched children’s book Heiress Decides To Be a Princess is more than a story—it’s a blueprint for helping young girls believe in their magic and embrace their uniqueness.

Written in collaboration by two powerhouse entrepreneurs, Mbali Sebapu of Hermosa Flor and Ntombenhle Khathwane of AfroBotanics, this enchanting tale transports readers to the magical Kingdom of Hermosa, where every girl is a princess and every heart is beautifully made. At the heart of the story is Heiress, an 8-year-old girl who questions her ability to be as great as the queens she admires. With the loving guidance of her mother, Queen Mbali, Heiress learns a profound lesson: being a princess isn’t about perfection, crowns, or external validation. It’s about staying true to yourself, embracing your talents, and finding beauty in your individuality.

Ntombenhle Khathwane (left) and Mbali Sebapu (right) | Supplied

In a world where young girls often begin to doubt their abilities by the age of 6 due to the dream gap—a term describing how societal stereotypes influence young girls to underestimate themselves—this story is a much-needed antidote. It addresses self-doubt with gentleness, creativity, and affirmations of self-worth, helping little girls see their uniqueness as their superpower.

Why Early Confidence Building Matters From a young age, girls are bombarded with societal messages that shape how they see themselves. The dream gap teaches girls to play small, aim low, or question their abilities. By instilling a positive mindset early, we empower our daughters to dream big and believe they are capable, intelligent, and worthy—exactly as they are.

Research shows that girls who are encouraged to embrace their creativity, individuality, and confidence from a young age grow into resilient, courageous women. Heiress Decides To Be a Princess supports this by introducing readers to empowering messages woven naturally through an engaging and colourful story.

Beyond the Story: Interactive Learning Accompanying the 44-page full-colour storybook is the Princess Creativity Book, a 36-page activity companion designed to build confidence at a subconscious level. Packed with engaging activities like colouring, word searches, storytelling challenges, and creative design tasks, the activity book encourages young minds to express themselves freely while reinforcing the core message of inner strength and individuality. Together, these books provide both joyful entertainment and valuable life lessons.

“Heiress Decides To Be a Princess” book cover | Supplied

A Mission That Matters What sets Heiress Decides To Be a Princess apart is the purpose behind the story. Both authors, as mothers and trailblazing entrepreneurs, recognize the importance of shaping a kinder, more inclusive world for their children. “I want my daughter to inherit a better world, not just a thriving business,” shares Mbali Sebapu, “and that starts with building her confidence and kindness from within.” For Ntombenhle Khathwane, the story aligns with her mission to inspire people to embrace their own kind of beautiful, echoing her philosophy as the founder of AfroBotanics.

The Perfect Gift Suitable for ages 3-6 (parent reading) and 5-9 (self-reading), this beautifully illustrated book is an ideal gift for daughters, nieces, and granddaughters. At R260 for both the storybook and activity book, including courier, it’s a small investment in a big future.

For parents seeking meaningful gifts this holiday season, Heiress Decides To Be a Princess is not just another book on the shelf. It’s a tool for raising confident, creative, and kind leaders—girls who will know their worth and shine brightly in their own way.

Shop the book:

• Visit www.hermosaflor.africa or www.afro-botanics.com to order.
• Follow the journey on Instagram: @gorgeous_mbali @heirmosa_kids @afrobotanics.