Brand Story
Shala The Unicorn (also known as $HALA) is a South African multidisciplinary visual artist and creative brand focused on making art that connects with people emotionally.
Working across digital art, illustration and visual content, Shala builds a distinctive aesthetic that resonates with young audiences on Instagram, TikTok and other platforms.
The brand’s work centres on themes of identity, emotion and belonging, using art as a way to make viewers feel seen and understood.
Shala The Unicorn’s recognition as Top Creative & Arts Brand at the 2025 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards highlights her contribution to contemporary South African art and digital creativity.
Why It Exists
Shala The Unicorn exists to create art that makes people feel less alone and more connected to their emotions and experiences.
The brand was created to respond to the need for relatable, emotionally honest visual art that speaks to young people’s inner lives and mental well-being.
Through digital art, illustrations and visual storytelling, Shala aims to build a community around shared feelings, vulnerability and creative expression.
To produce multidisciplinary visual art that connects with people emotionally, making them feel less alone and more understood through creative expression.
Founder & Key People
Shala The Unicorn ($HALA)
Founder & ArtistShala The Unicorn is a South African multidisciplinary visual artist known online as $HALA, creating digital art and illustrations that explore emotion, identity and belonging.
She has built a strong following on Instagram and TikTok, where her work resonates with young audiences through its honest, relatable style.
Shala is recognised as a youth creative entrepreneur contributing to contemporary South African art and digital culture.
Achievements & Recognition
Shala The Unicorn has earned recognition for her contribution to South African creative arts, digital art and youth culture.
2025 Top Creative & Arts Brand
Shala The Unicorn was awarded Top Creative & Arts Brand at the 2025 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
Digital Art & Emotional Connection
The brand is acknowledged for creating multidisciplinary visual art that connects emotionally with young audiences and makes them feel less alone.
What They Do
Shala The Unicorn creates digital art, illustrations and visual content that explore emotion, identity and belonging, building an online community around relatable, emotionally honest art.