Born in Manchester, UK, Deryn studied French at Exeter University and after working in Europe for a number of years post graduation, found her way to South Africa in 1995, taking citizenship a few years later.
She worked on a number of projects for a small events and marketing company between 2000-2011, including producing SABC’s NEPAD Focus series, launching AARTO for the Department of Transport, and on PR campaigns for the Department of Water Affairs. She also worked as part of the creative teams on tv commercials for companies including Bliss Chemicals (MAQ products), and Broadway Sweets.
In 2012 she joined Talk Radio 702 as a producer, winning three industry awards for her work on the John Robbie and Xolani Gwala Shows. After leaving radio, she worked as a tv producer for a season of The Big Debate.
In 2016 Deryn joined Proudly South African, the country’s official buy local advocacy campaign, as PR & Communications Manager, leaving in 2022 to go freelance.
She now writes and edits for a range of clients including Ogilvy PR, TBWA Namibia, Meropa Communications, MSports Marketing, Media Monitoring Africa and Wits University.
In her spare time she is a creative writer and serial volunteer.