Julia Lemekwane walked into our offices carrying a box in her hands. Inside were copies of her book, Conversations with the Angel Within. Without fanfare, she began handing them out to the BASA team one by one, taking our names as she went, and carefully signing each copy with handwritten messages of affirmation and gratitude. Behind her, the team cheered her on, filling the room with warmth and celebration.
What stood out most was not just the book, but the person behind it. A young creative who entered the BASA Debut Fund Programme as one of many hopefuls, and walked out not only with a published work, but with a deeper sense of confidence, clarity and readiness to step fully into her voice as a storyteller.
She joined the programme with hope. She left it as someone ready to continue building, sharing and shaping her creative path with intention and courage.
This conversation is an extension of that journey where Julia reflects on her creative practice, her debut book and the transformative experience of the BASA Debut Fund Programme 53.
- Interviewer (Sne):Julia, let’s start at the beginning, who are you and what does your creative world look like?
Julia Lemekwane: I always describe myself as a storyteller at heart. I’m an author, publisher, filmmaker, and social entrepreneur based in Mamelodi East, Pretoria. I founded Royal Bookstore because I wanted to create a space where our stories, especially those often overlooked,can be shared and preserved.
For me, creativity is really about impact. Everything I do, whether writing, publishing or film, comes back to storytelling that helps people reflect, heal and feel seen.
- Interviewer (Sne):You recently participated in the BASA Debut Fund Programme. What was that experience like?
Julia Lemekwane: It was a turning point for me. I came into the programme at a time when I needed both direction and reassurance.
What stood out was not only the funding, but the mentorship and structure. Being in a space that takes emerging creatives seriously shifts something in you—it pushes you to think differently about your work and to show up with intention.
- Interviewer (Sne):Your book, Conversations with the Angel Within—what is it really about and what inspired you to write it?
Julia Lemekwane: It’s deeply personal. It’s a reflective poetry book about healing, self-discovery and learning to trust your inner voice.
At its core, it’s about the internal conversations we all have—those quiet moments where you’re trying to make sense of life, yourself and everything in between.
It was inspired by my lived experience with mental health and my healing journey. After my diagnosis, I began turning inward more—questioning, reflecting and trying to better understand myself
- Interviewer (Sne):What was your journey from idea to published book like?
Julia Lemekwane: It wasn’t linear at all. There were moments of clarity and inspiration and moments of doubt.
It required discipline and consistency—showing up for the work even when it was difficult. Each stage taught me something about patience and trusting the process.
- Interviewer (Sne):How did BASA Debut Fund Programme support you?
Julia Lemekwane: It gave me structure and accountability, and that alone makes a big difference.
It also gave me the support I needed to move from idea to completion. Knowing there was belief in my work helped me stay committed.
- Interviewer (Sne):What were your biggest challenges?
Julia Lemekwane: Time—balancing my roles as an entrepreneur, student and creative.
It required discipline and intentional planning. I had to create space for writing and protect that time consistently.
- Interviewer (Sne):What role do you think BASA’s Debut Fund Programme plays in the sector?
Julia Lemekwane: It plays a vital role in bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.
Many creatives have the vision, but not always the access. Programmes like BASA provide mentorship, funding, and exposure that help turn ideas into real, sustainable creative work.
- Interviewer (Sne):Any advice for creatives preparing to publish their first work?
Julia Lemekwane: Don’t wait for perfection.
Start where you are, be open to learning and stay consistent. Most importantly, trust that your story matters—because it does.
Julia Lemekwane: Conversations with the Angel Within is available through Royal Bookstore, Lemekwane’s own publishing company.
Website: royalbookstore.co.za
Email: info@royalbookstore.co.za
Facebook: Author Julia Lemekwane
Instagram: @Author_Ladywords
People can also follow Royal Bookstore for updates, events, and new releases.
