Thandiwe Kumwenda, the creative mind and founder of Candy’s Gifts, began her journey into the world of floral and gift design with a simple rose bouquet wrapped in plain paper. That first creation, modest in appearance, carried the most essential ingredient of all, which is the heart. From that humble beginning, Thandiwe has nurtured her passion into a flourishing business that spans Lusaka, the Copperbelt, and beyond, delivering thoughtful, meaningful and carefully designed gifts that capture the emotions of both giver and recipient. Candy’s Gifts is not just a shop or a service, it is a reflection of Thandiwe’s dedication to creativity, empathy and personal connection, a testament to what can happen when passion meets persistence.
Thandiwe’s journey from her first rose to managing a full-scale business was marked by both challenges and learning opportunities. In the early stages, she grappled with limited materials, inconsistent suppliers, pricing difficulties and balancing the time-consuming tasks of creating gifts with running a business. Yet each obstacle became a lesson. She learned to structure her workflow, manage inventory and price her products fairly, all while maintaining the high quality that her clients had come to expect. Over time, repeat customers began recommending her services and corporate clients sought her out for bulk orders. In these moments, Thandiwe realized Candy’s Gifts had transcended the realm of hobby and grown into a trusted, professional brand.
At the heart of Candy’s Gifts is an approach rooted in understanding, empathy and creativity. Thandiwe begins each order by listening to the client, learning about the occasion, the recipient and the story behind the gift. These insights guide every choice, that is, the selection of flowers, the color palette, the packaging, the accessories and the combination of items in custom hampers. Her philosophy is simple yet profound, she says “a gift is most meaningful when it reflects the giver’s intention”. She draws inspiration from everyday life, nature, online design platforms, international floral concepts and the stories her clients share. Each creation is a personalized expression of sentiment, carefully crafted to resonate with the recipient.
From birthdays to anniversaries, weddings to corporate events, Candy’s Gifts covers a wide range of occasions. Thandiwe takes pride in designing gifts that celebrate milestones, comfort those in need and delight in everyday moments. One delivery, in particular, stands out, a comfort gift for someone facing a challenging time. The recipient’s gratitude reminded her that a gift is never merely an object, it is a vessel of love, hope and connection. For Thandiwe, this human element is the essence of her business. She approaches every sensitive or emotional request with patience, confidentiality and care, ensuring that the sentiment behind each gift is fully honored.
As Candy’s Gifts expanded, Thandiwe discovered that running a business was as much about people as it was about creativity. Managing small orders had grown into a professional enterprise, requiring careful planning, time management and operational structure. Challenges with suppliers, stock, and pricing taught her valuable lessons in patience, consistency and resilience. She recalls juggling the creative side with the administrative side, learning to balance both worlds. Yet each challenge strengthened her, shaping the reliable, thoughtful brand Candy’s Gifts is today.
The creative process is central to Thandiwe’s work. She begins by engaging with clients to understand the story behind each gift. The recipient’s personality, preferences and the occasion inform the choice of flowers, accessories and presentation. She blends international and contemporary trends with her own style, which she describes as simple, elegant and meaningful. Inspiration is everywhere, from nature, daily life and client stories to online platforms and international florists but Thandiwe ensures that each gift reflects a personal touch that transforms it from mere product into a memorable, heartfelt expression.
Thandiwe has experienced countless moments that affirm the value of her work. Delivering a gift to comfort a loved one in difficult circumstances stands out vividly in her memory. The gratitude and visible relief on the recipient’s face highlighted the transformative power of thoughtful gifting. Another memorable moment was witnessing the joy and surprise of a recipient receiving a personalized arrangement carefully designed by a client. Such experiences reinforce her belief that gifting is about more than aesthetics, it is about connection, empathy and expression.
Handling emotional gifts requires not only creativity but empathy and discretion. Clients entrust Thandiwe with their messages, emotions and intentions and she treats that responsibility with the utmost respect. These moments, sometimes quiet, sometimes filled with laughter or tears, remind her that Candy’s Gifts is more than a business, it is a facilitator of meaningful human experiences.
Candy’s Gifts has grown to serve a diverse range of occasions. From romantic bouquets to birthday surprises, corporate hampers to event décor, Thandiwe’s work enriches the moments that matter most. She meticulously plans for each project, ensuring materials, colors and accessories align perfectly with the client’s vision. During peak seasons such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, when demand surges, she ensures quality remains uncompromised through careful preparation and when needed, temporary assistance. For Thandiwe, every gift deserves attention, care and precision, regardless of the size of the order.
Social media has been an indispensable tool for Candy’s Gifts. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp allow Thandiwe to showcase her work, connect with clients and share the stories behind each creation. She highlights both the final products and glimpses of the creative process, emphasizing the thought and care invested in every gift. This transparency fosters trust, strengthens client relationships and builds a community of followers who appreciate the emotional and artistic value of her creations.
Humour and warmth subtly infuse Candy’s Gifts, making the brand approachable and relatable. Thandiwe incorporates playful touches in her gifts, from quirky notes tucked inside bouquets to lighthearted interactions with clients. These small gestures enhance the joy of gifting, making the experience memorable for both giver and recipient. Even in the busiest seasons, she maintains a friendly and human touch, ensuring that every interaction feels personal and joyful.
Corporate collaborations have become a key aspect of Candy’s Gifts’ growth. Working with businesses, event planners and decorators has allowed Thandiwe to create customized arrangements and hampers for professional events. Her approach is the same as for personal gifts as she prioritizes care, attention to detail and understanding the client’s needs. Whether designing for a corporate launch, staff appreciation or a large-scale celebration, she maintains the quality, creativity and personal touch that define Candy’s Gifts. These partnerships demonstrate her ability to scale her work while preserving the integrity of her brand.
Education and continuous learning underpin Thandiwe’s success. Her background in hospitality, travel and tourism management provided essential skills in professionalism, presentation and customer service. Self-training, workshops and hands-on experience strengthened her abilities in bouquet arrangement, packaging, branding and business management. This combination of formal education and practical experience allows her to balance artistry with operational excellence, ensuring each creation is executed flawlessly.
Looking forward, Thandiwe envisions Candy’s Gifts expanding locally and internationally. She hopes to offer online ordering and global delivery, allowing clients beyond Zambia to experience her personalized, high-quality gifts. She imagines larger studios, more collaborations with creative professionals and partnerships that enhance the gifting experience. Her ultimate goal is a brand recognized for elegance, reliability and heartfelt design, inspiring trust and admiration in the creative industry.
Thandiwe’s vision extends beyond business. She wants Candy’s Gifts to empower young women and aspiring creatives, showing that passion, persistence and consistency can transform an idea into a thriving, meaningful enterprise. Her legacy, she hopes, will be one of inspiration demonstrating that thoughtful, high-quality work combined with empathy, attention to detail and a touch of humour can create moments that delight, connect and endure.
For Thandiwe, every gift tells a story, every bouquet communicates care and every hamper reflects thoughtfulness. Candy’s Gifts continues to be a trusted, creative and heartfelt brand, ensuring that each celebration, comfort and connection is expressed with elegance, intention and joy. The business is accessible through Instagram @candys_gifts, TikTok @candysgifts4, Facebook, WhatsApp catalogues, or by contacting Thandiwe directly at thandyk97@gmail.com or +260 977 420 540. Through these channels, she shares her artistry, engages with clients and ensures that every gift represents the heart, care and creativity that have become hallmarks of Candy’s Gifts.
In Thandiwe Kumwenda, Zambia’s gifting industry has a leader whose dedication, creativity and warmth turn ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences. Candy’s Gifts is more than a brand, it is a celebration of connection, empathy and joy, bringing beauty and meaning to every corner of life it touches.
