Vanya Mangaliso is a distinguished South African fashion designer and entrepreneur, renowned for co-founding Sun Goddess, a luxury fashion brand that celebrates African heritage and aesthetics. Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, Vanya was deeply influenced by her family's rich cultural traditions and her mother's penchant for wearing traditional attire, such as the Umbaco.

Before venturing into fashion, Vanya worked in logistics for Transnet, which involved extensive travel across Africa. These experiences exposed her to the diverse ways in which fashion reflects cultural identity, particularly in countries like Nigeria, where traditional wear is prevalent. This realization inspired her to pursue a career in fashion design.

In 2001, alongside her husband Thando, Vanya established Sun Goddess with the mission to preserve African culture and promote its aesthetics globally. The brand has achieved significant milestones, including multiple awards and international recognition. Notably, in 2006, they were honored with the South African Designer/Retailer of the Year award, and in 2012, a Sun Goddess dress was featured in "The Pantone Color of the Century" book, marking a significant achievement for the brand.

Despite facing challenges such as natural disasters and armed robberies, the Mangaliso's resilience and dedication have solidified Sun Goddess's status as a prominent African luxury brand. Their journey from selling skirts from the trunk of their car to showcasing designs on international runways is a testament to their commitment and passion for fashion.

Vanya's story is a compelling narrative of embracing one's heritage, overcoming adversity, and contributing significantly to the global fashion landscape.