Beyond the comfort zone: Bulawayo woman finds fulfilment in shoemaking

AT just the age of 22, Nicole Sibanda won the Best Zimbabwean Exhibit First Time Category at the 64th ZITF last month.

Nicole, who hails from a family of four, has become a breadwinner by creating and selling shoes. She sells sandals for US$10 a pair and produces 50 pairs each month. She also sells belts at US$10 each in quantities of 20 each month.

Nicole produces school shoes per order and feels that her work has given her independence, even in fields traditionally dominated by men.

She learned shoemaking in 2021 after a local non-governmental organisation sponsored her education, and the mother-of-one urged other women to take risks and be self-reliant in order to show tangible results that will gain respect from others.

Nicole was raised in Magwegwe and originally aspired to a career in graphic design.

However, life took an unexpected turn, forcing her to abandon that goal. It was this twist of fate that led her to explore shoemaking, a decision that would change her life trajectory.

“I sell sandals for US$10 a pair, and each month I make 50 pairs. I sell a pair of belts for US$10 each, and I produce 20 every month. All these things I make from scratch. I produce school shoes and other items for order, so you can estimate how much money I make each month.

“In general, I can say with confidence that I enjoy my work and that what counts is that I feel independent. You know, being a woman who is a cobbler draws a lot of attention. As I speak, curiosity is running rampant among people who want to know how I make shoes. I am quite grateful that I am an independent woman, even in fields where historically men dominated,” she delightfully said.

In 2021, when a chance to learn shoemaking and design landed on her lap, Nicole knew it was a path she had to take, even if it meant leaving graphic design behind.

With resources limited, a local NGO stepped in, sponsoring her education and shaping a new creative chapter.

Embracing the motto “practice makes perfect”, Sibanda drove head-first into this new world. Despite being a complete beginner, her dedication honed her skills and propelled her to award-winning heights.

She acknowledges that the journey hasn’t been without hurdles, but challenges are part of the process.

“Despite my assertion that I am independent, the shoe industry faces difficulties, just like any other, particularly in a market where people are willing to haggle over prices, even for items that cost just US$1. You will discover that I occasionally sell one of my products at giveaway prices since customers always want to purchase products at lower costs. I do this for the benefit yokuthi ibusiness ihambe,” she said.

She also reminded her peers that all children look to their mothers for support.

“It feels bad to focus on something that you’ve never dreamt of, but it is what it is, I guess that’s my talent. You know society and family are too judgemental; they were expecting me to be working in an office like their kids, but here I am doing a blue-collar job and I am not complaining about it. I am content, I am independent.

“What I can say is get out of your comfort zone, it’s never too late, the sky is the limit ayofezeka lawo maphupho vuka uzimele ngoba at the end you are on your own,” she said. – @TeamKarubwa