About Sassy Savvy — Our Story
About Sassy Savvy
Sassy Savvy was born from passion, purpose, and a very personal journey.
Sassy Savvy was born from passion, purpose, and a very personal journey — one that has now grown into a powerful mother-and-daughter legacy.
Founder Bernadine Du Pisanie never planned to step onto a fitness stage — but at around the age of 40, everything changed. Inspired by the strong, confident women she saw in fitness magazines, she set herself a bold goal: to transform her body and compete professionally.
Like many women starting their fitness journey, Bernadine quickly realized she needed enough gym outfits to train comfortably throughout the week. However, shopping for activewear revealed a frustrating gap in the market. Lower-priced items often lacked durability and proper coverage, while premium brands offered excellent support and quality — but at prices many women simply couldn’t justify.
Determined to find a better solution, Bernadine began researching, testing, and speaking to others in the fitness community. After a visit to the United States, where she discovered a brand she loved but could not bring into South Africa at the time, the idea for something new took root.
Sassy Savvy was created to bridge the gap — offering high-quality, supportive, confidence-boosting activewear at an accessible price for South African women.
From Competition Stage to Brand Creation
While building the business, Bernadine was simultaneously pursuing her own competitive fitness goals.
• She stepped onto the stage for the first time at age 42.
• In 2016, she won her fitness lineup at the IBFF Miss Universe competition in Italy.
• The following year she competed in Spain and again won her division at the IBFF Miss World competition — going on to win the overall title and earn her coveted Pro Card.
• She made history as the first woman to achieve her Pro Card with the IBFF in 2017.
During her competition preparation, women constantly asked where she bought her gym outfits — loving the colours, fit, and style she wore. This real-world demand confirmed what she had already discovered: women wanted beautiful, reliable activewear that didn’t come with an extreme price tag.
The Next Generation of Sassy Savvy
As the brand grew, so did its vision.
Savannah du Pisanie, Bernadine’s daughter, brought a fresh creative perspective to Sassy Savvy. Based in Pretoria and trained in architecture, Savannah naturally sees the world through a design lens — whether it’s spaces, silhouettes, fabrics, or content. She is passionate about creating pieces that feel intentional, beautiful, and wearable in real life.
For Savannah, Sassy Savvy feels personal. It reflects confidence, femininity, and a little boldness — qualities she believes every woman should feel when she gets dressed.
Where Bernadine built the foundation through discipline and lived experience in competitive fitness, Savannah adds refined design thinking, aesthetic direction, and modern brand vision. Together, they blend strength with style, structure with creativity, and experience with evolution.
Sassy Savvy is no longer just a brand born from one woman’s journey — it’s a shared passion between mother and daughter.
Building the Sassy Savvy Brand
In 2019, Bernadine officially registered Sassy Savvy and placed her first import order, initially focusing exclusively on women’s activewear.
The business started steadily as she balanced the intense demands of professional competition with growing customer interest. In 2020, after winning her Pro lineup on the professional stage, Bernadine made the decision to retire from competitive fitness and focus fully on growing Sassy Savvy.
With Savannah now contributing to the brand’s creative direction, design influence, and overall aesthetic identity, Sassy Savvy continues to evolve while staying true to its original mission.
A Recognized Fitness Legacy
Bernadine’s impact in the fitness world has continued to be recognized. The IBFF has honoured her journey with multiple appreciation awards, including the prestigious Legends Award in 2024.
Today, that same passion, discipline, design intention, and attention to detail are built into every Sassy Savvy piece.
Our Promise
At Sassy Savvy, we believe every woman deserves activewear that does more than just look good — it should empower her.
Our pieces are designed to:
• Sculpt and flatter beautifully
• Provide real support where it matters
• Move effortlessly with your body
• Feel luxurious — without the luxury price tag
What began as one woman’s personal transformation has grown into a proudly South African mother-and-daughter brand built on strength, style, and intention.
We are here to help women feel confident in their own skin — powerful in the gym, comfortable in their everyday, and unapologetically themselves wherever life takes them.