The Story Behind the Name “SassiNiemand” – and the Cat, the Dog, and the Feather That Started It All
Have You Ever Struggled to Name Your Business?
If you have, you’re not alone — and if you haven’t, trust me, it’s a journey. Naming my creative business wasn’t something I took lightly, especially since I didn’t want to just use my name. (It’s been tricky to pronounce and spell in all the countries I’ve lived in!)
But in the end, the name came from something unexpected: from a story I once wrote, and illustrated, for my son.
SASSI and the Squirrel’s Feather – A Novel That Started It All
SASSI and the Squirrel’s Feather is a mystery novel I wrote and illustrated for children aged 6 to 12. It follows two unlikely detectives: Socks, a calico cat with attitude, and Astrid, a Labrador with a nose for clues. Together, they form SASSI – Socks and Astrid’s Secret Service Investigations.
One day, a squirrel suffering from amnesia asks them for help. The only clue? A feather. From there, the mystery unfolds with hawks, alley cats, gadget-making terriers, a red-tailed villain, and even a gang of mutated ninja rats.
From Book Illustrations to Surface Pattern Design
When I wrote the novel, I also illustrated it — the cover and one drawing for each chapter. I didn’t have a budget for an illustrator, so I picked up my pencil l and just… started.
That’s when I rediscovered a love of drawing.
Those early sketches led to more experimenting, more sketchbooks, and eventually, the discovery of surface pattern design. One thing led to another, and the idea of putting my illustrations on fabric, wallpaper, and other everyday objects took root.
What started as a necessity turned into a passion — and ultimately, a new creative path.
Where the Name “SassiNiemand” Comes From
So how did that children’s book lead to the name of my design studio?
SASSI: From the book – Socks and Astrid’s Secret Service Investigations
Niemand: My surname, which means “nobody” in Afrikaans
Together, they became SassiNiemand — a little bit cheeky, a little bit humorous, and very much me. The name still makes me smile. It reminds me of where I started, and it keeps the heart of my original story alive in everything I create.
From Secret Agent Pets to Surface Design
Today, I’m a surface pattern designer and illustrator creating:
Nature-inspired prints for wallpaper, fabric, home decor, fashion, and stationery
Designs available for art licensing or as curated print-on-demand products
I still draw from storytelling, emotion, and the quiet joy of everyday moments. The book I wrote was full of imagination, action, and heart — and many of its characters were inspired by real animals I’ve loved over the years, some still snoozing beside me in the studio today. What I didn’t realise when I wrote that story was how deeply it would shape the next chapter of my creative life.
Want to Explore More?
And if you’re curious to meet the book that started it all, you can find SASSI and the Squirrel’s Feather on Amazon and other online bookstores. Who knows? It might inspire your next creative chapter, too.
The book that started it all, tucked beside me in my studio – and yes, I’m wearing one of my own designs!
Thanks for visiting my creative corner. Whether you’re here for the story, the art, or the animals.
I’m glad you found your way to SassiNiemand. 💛