After losing her husband and rebuilding life for her young family, Donnae McReynolds is helping women embrace their own stories through a brand built on courage, confidence and connection.
There are moments in life that change everything. For Hillcrest’s Donnae McReynolds, one of those moments came after the loss of her husband in 2021. Suddenly navigating life as a single mother to two children, she found herself facing a future she had never imagined.
Yet, amid the heartbreak, she discovered something unexpected, not certainty, but courage.
“There came a point where I realised I couldn’t keep waiting for the perfect moment to put the pieces of my life back together,” she says. “I had to choose courage over certainty.”
Although Fabled Life is a relatively new chapter, it was born from one of the most challenging seasons of Donnae’s life. Created as a way to build a future for her children while continuing her lifelong passion for uplifting women, the accessories brand encourages women to express their individuality with confidence, one beautiful piece at a time.
That purpose has shaped Donnae’s life long before Fabled Life became a reality. As the former owner of Lucky Bean in Assagay, she created opportunities for local artisans, single mothers and women wanting to build businesses of their own, providing them with a platform to showcase and sell their handmade products.
“I’ve experienced firsthand what happens when someone believes in you before you’ve fully learnt to believe in yourself,” she says. “Those people changed my life. If Fabled Life can become part of that story for another woman, whether through confidence, encouragement or employment, that is incredibly meaningful to me.”
Today, Fabled Life reflects everything Donnae believes in. Offering thoughtfully curated earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and belts, with a Build Your Own Necklace and Bracelet collection launching soon, the brand is built around one simple belief: every woman deserves to be the leading lady in her own story.
For Donnae, accessories are far more than beautiful finishing touches. They become part of a woman’s story, reflecting her personality, memories and aspirations while giving her the confidence to express who she is.
“I’ve always loved how something as simple as putting on a pair of earrings can change how you feel about yourself,” she says. “Accessories may seem like small things, but they have an incredible way of helping women feel empowered.”
For Donnae, confidence has never been about perfection. It has been built through navigating grief, embracing uncertainty and choosing to keep taking the next step, even on the difficult days.
“Not every day is a jump-for-joy day,” she says. “Sometimes success is simply becoming one percent better than yesterday.”
Her faith has remained a constant source of strength, shaping both her personal journey and the values behind Fabled Life, devotion, simplicity and inclusivity. Together, they guide every decision she makes, ensuring women feel welcomed, celebrated and seen.
Asked which woman best embodies the spirit of Fabled Life, Donnae doesn’t name a celebrity or fashion icon. Instead, she speaks about Deborah, the biblical prophetess whose leadership was defined by wisdom, humility and courage.
“She didn’t wait for permission to step into her calling,” says Donnae. “She led by serving others, and that’s something I deeply admire.”
Looking ahead, Donnae hopes Fabled Life will continue creating opportunities, not only through beautiful accessories but by building a community where women feel encouraged to embrace their own stories with confidence.
“I hope every woman who wears a piece feels like she can do anything she sets her mind to,” she says. “I hope she remembers she doesn’t need anybody else’s permission to shine.”
Perhaps that is Donnae’s greatest legacy. Beyond the jewellery is a woman whose story reminds us that courage isn’t about having all the answers. Sometimes it is simply choosing to take the next step, believing that even life’s most difficult chapters can become the beginning of something beautiful.
You can follow Donnae on Instagram: @fabledlife or Facebook: Fabled Life. Details: fabledlife.co.za
Five lessons life has taught Donnae
Choose courage over certainty
Waiting for the perfect moment can keep dreams on hold. Growth begins by taking the next step, even when the path isn’t completely clear.
Kindness creates a ripple effect
Believing in someone before they believe in themselves can change the course of a life.
Confidence changes everything
When women discover confidence, they don’t just transform their own lives, they positively influence their families, friendships and communities.
Progress doesn’t have to be perfect
Some days success means ticking off a long to-do list. Other days it simply means showing up and moving one percent forward.
Be the leading lady in your own story
Every woman has gifts, purpose and a story worth telling. The permission to shine comes from within.
About Fabled Life
Founded by Donnae McReynolds, Fabled Life is an accessories brand created to help women express their individuality with confidence. The collection includes earrings, necklaces and bracelets, with a Build Your Own Necklace and Bracelet range launching soon. Around half the collection is crafted or assembled by Donnae’s growing team of local women, while affordability remains central to the brand. Every order is beautifully wrapped with thoughtful touches designed to remind women that their story matters.
