Firehorse Media

collaborate
create
communicate

Firehorse Media
collaborate . create . communicate

What we do…

Firehorse Media is a strategic communications consultancy dedicated to helping brands and individuals tell their stories effectively.

With an expert team of content marketers, journalists, editors, and digital strategists, we specialize in:

  • Brand Messaging & Content Strategy – Crafting impactful narratives for businesses.
  • Social Media & Publicity – Creating engagement and exposure across platforms.
  • Writing Coaching & Online Courses – Helping aspiring writers and business professionals enhance their writing skills through one-on-one coaching and downloadable courses.

Whether you need a powerful media presence, a structured content plan, or guidance in mastering your writing skills, we ensure your message reaches the right audience with clarity and impact.

About

I’m Mercédes Westbrook, founder of Firehorse Media. With decades of experience in media, publishing, and strategic communications, I’ve worked with some of South Africa’s leading brands to refine their messaging and maximize their visibility.

Services

  • Corporate Communications & Content Strategy – Crafting compelling content for brands.
  • Social Media & PR Strategy – Building visibility across digital platforms.
  • Writing Coaching & Mentorship – Personalized coaching for aspiring writers.
  • Online Writing Courses – Downloadable resources to help you write with impact.
Get in touch

But beyond corporate communications, I have a deep passion for the written word and helping others become better writers.

As a Writing Coach, I now offer personalized coaching sessions and online courses to help individuals:

  • Develop clear and compelling writing skills for any project at hand.
  • Craft personal and business brands through storytelling.
  • Gain confidence in content creation, editing, and publishing.

If you’re looking to sharpen your writing skills – whether for business, blogging, eBooks, press releases, feature articles, or personal growth through journaling and memoir writing – I’m here to guide you.

Book a coaching session

Mercédes has filled the following key positions:

  • Publicist for 5-star Haywards Grand Safari Company
  • Media consultancy for iCandiCQ
  • Media consultancy for Media Ink
  • Social Media Manager David Barkham Artist
  • Publicist for 4-star DeBergkant Lodge
  • PR Account Manager for GrandWest
  • Consulting Communications Manager at Atmosphere Orange
  • Association Management, Marketing & Print and Digital Editor for the Stationery, Home and Office Products Association of Southern Africa  (SHOP-SA).
  • Editorial Director at Redsand Interactive (Pty) Ltd.  (Received four PICA Magazine Awards from the Magazine Publishers Association of South Africa (MPASA)
  • Marketing Manager at Cadplan: Autodesk Reseller of Architectural Design software (awarded the top South African Reseller for five consecutive years)
  • Head of Publishing at David Barritt & Company: Public Relations/Photographic Library Services

FREE 15-Minute Clarity Call

Not sure where to start? Let’s chat!

Book a free 15-30 minute clarity call to discuss your writing goals, challenges, and how I can help you elevate your skills—whether for business, branding, or personal storytelling.

What You’ll Get:

✅ A quick review of your writing needs & goals
✅ Personalized guidance on the best next steps
✅ Insights into my coaching & courses to see if we’re a good fit
✅ No obligation—just a friendly conversation!

Let’s get started!

Clients I’ve worked with

Testimonials

“As an expert in her chosen field, I have had the privilege to work with Mercedes over a period spanning a decade. Her perceptive insights into critical editorial issues and management processes spans the entire publishing-reader matrix and transforms partnerships to realise potential synergies. She is articulate, intelligent, reliable and efficient, resulting in her completing a magnificent job for us managing the entire Editorial Department and content function for our highly accoladed stable of twenty magazine titles, which covered diverse sectors from lifestyle, sport, travel, motoring, fashion to investment and many others. Mercedes has an invaluable depth and breadth of executive level editorial, PR, management and marketing experience, and would be a valuable asset to any company.”
Mark Leven-Macron

Media & Biotech

“I have had the distinct privilege of working with Mercedes several times over the past 15 years. She is an accomplished writer whose talents have few boundaries. She has written on subjects ranging from interviews with presidents, political figures and celebrities to travel, lifestyle and entertainment and can bring life and colour to even the most boring product placement. As the editorial director of our business, she single-handedly managing seven editors, three sub editors and over one hundred independent journalists; since many of the titles we produced were done on behalf of contract clients such as Vodacom, The AA, Diners Club, RETOSA, SA Tourism, The DTI, The International Marketing Council (Brand South Africa),Link Pharmacy Group, The Southern Africa Tour (PGA), Motorsport SA, Cricket SA and SARFU to name but a few. Mercedes is a rare individual who brings true woman power, integrity, friendship and creativity into her work space. She is an asset to any organisation she works with and will always offer more than she is asked for.”
Grant Viljoen

Owner Publisher

I have known Mercedes Westbrook for many years as a highly regarded magazine editor, businesswoman and writer. Mercedes is passionate about her work, life and people. She never tires of learning, of embracing the new, of ferreting out solutions to old challenges and discovering new ways to approach and solve them. These are essential requirements to meet today’s challenging environment where change leapfrogs over us as we sleep. Mercedes is a gifted writer and a thoughtful commentator with high integrity, dedicated to accuracy and new ways of getting her message, or that of her clients, seen and heard.”
Charlene Smith

Atlanatic Writing Services, Boston, USA

“Mercedes is a superb journalist who can also take first rate photographs. She produces excellent work at a reasonable cost. She is reliable and a dream to work with. Highly recommended.”
Godfrey King

Contact Publications, Owner

“Working in publishing with Mercedes is an absolute pleasure. She is a consummate professional, with a calm demeanour and an organised mind. Her leadership skills stand out and she always seeks to help team members. An asset to any company.”
Fiona Robyn Ingram

Writer

“Working with Mercedes has always created very positive outcomes. She has a very professional analytical approach that is also creative and innovative. A character combination that is rare to find.”
David Sand

Owner, Uwin Iwin

Blog

What’s in a Brand?

What’s in a Brand?

by | , ,

Brand is made up of quality and service.  The logo is the image of the brand, and people remember it through the experience your business delivered. Your brand is your reputation --  the most valuable thing you possess. A strong brand and the trust it engenders are...

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The Logistics of Language

The Logistics of Language

by | ,

With 11 official languages in South Africa, we live in a culturally diverse society and when you need help, you need help… I confess. I have never had ability with languages. I struggled with Afrikaans at school and nearly lost my University exemption to it, only to...

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“The digital platform allows us to embrace a direct and simple means of broadcasting an idea, a product or service in an immediate and compelling way to a global audience. It is an influential tool, voice and platform for anyone willing to engage in the viral power of online media.”

“Technology has opened the door wider to communication, connection and engagement. Has your brand joined the digital revolution? Are you effectively interacting, promoting, and sharing knowledge that captures people’s attention with relevance, velocity and brand impact?”