Breaking barriers, building empires

 

Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter

MARCH is celebrated as Women’s Month because it includes the International Women’s Day – held on March 8 – to honour women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality.

It is a time to amplify women’s voices, celebrate their achievements, and reflect on what still needs to be done for a more just and equal world.

In this vein, The Manica Post, will this month be featuring various unsung heroines from Manicaland.

This week, we start off with the story of Mrs Nomsa Chiadzwa-Chave, a young businesswoman, whose journey defies expectations and inspires countless others.

This year’s theme: ‘For all Women and Girls, Rights, Equality, Empowerment’ resonates well with how the 37-year-old businesswoman defied all odds and empowered herself and many other young entrepreneurs across the province.

She built a thriving business empire despite struggling academically.

To her, success is not always defined by academic achievements.

Today, she owns multiple businesses and has received over 20 prestigious awards, inspiring countless young women to pursue their dreams.

 

Before all the glitz and glimmer which came with her success, Mrs Chiadzwa-Chave struggled with school, failed her Ordinary Level examinations twice, but refused to let academic failure define her future.

In an interview at one of her shops in the Central Business District of Mutare, on Tuesday, Mrs Chiadzwa-Chave said after failing her O-Levels in 2005, she harnessed her natural business acumen and, coupled with her mother’s unwavering support, became a cross-border trader, supplying families with solar systems.

“My mother’s entrepreneurial spirit and encouragement became the foundation of my success. I was not good in school, and after failing my O-Levels twice, people laughed at me. But my mom saw my potential and pushed me into business. I started small, buying solar systems in Botswana and reselling them back home. What began as a modest venture quickly grew into multiple thriving businesses,” she said, adding that her late father, who was an educated man, wanted her to follow in his footsteps, and was really disappointed when she failed the basics academic-wise.

 

“He enrolled me at Mutare Girls’ High School to repeat my O-Levels, but I was not good in school. I only passed English in my Ordinary Levels, and even after repeating, that was still my only pass. My late father, who was highly educated, was disappointed, but my mother encouraged me to follow my passion for business,” she said.

Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2010, inspired by her mother, a self-made businesswoman who had overcome early challenges.

 

With her mother’s support, she started small, travelling to Botswana to import solar systems for resale in Zimbabwe.

 

 

This humble venture laid the foundation for a diverse business empire in Mutare.

Now 37, and a mother of four boys, she has received over 20 business awards and holds various leadership roles.

She is the principal and co-director of Kiddie College Group of Schools, and owns a driving school, three Dollar Pantry shops, two beauty salons, butchery, bar, and bed-and-breakfast facilities across the city.

Balancing business and family life has been a significant challenge, particularly with four energetic boys aged 14, 12, six and five.

“Raising boys is a job in itself, but they understand my work, and I make sure to be present in their lives, no matter how busy I get. Managing such a diverse portfolio while raising my four boys has been a challenge, but my husband has been very supportive. He has helped me balance it all. I have to be hands-on with all my businesses, and I travel a lot. But my husband is my biggest supporter, and my boys are my best friends that makes it all possible,” she said.

Mrs Chiadzwa-Chave said her ability to balance family and business responsibilities demonstrates her unwavering commitment to both.

 

Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, with the 2022 businesswoman of the year award being the most cherished.

“That award was a game-changer for me. It boosted my confidence, and my businesses flourished even more. It reminded me that hard work truly pays off. I attribute my success to staying true to my passion as a woman. I always tell young women that you do not have to be perfect at everything. You just have to find what you are good at, perfect your skill and give it your all,” she said.

Mrs Chiadzwa-Chave’s impact extends beyond her businesses, as she actively mentors young women, encouraging them to embrace their strengths and pursue their passions.

 

 

Her mentoring efforts have empowered many aspiring businesswomen in Mutare to launch successful ventures.

 

“To young women, I say, do not underestimate or look down upon yourself. The sky is the limit. Find what you love and give it your all,” she advised.

With plans to open a high school next year and eventually a university, Mrs Chiadzwa-Chave’s vision for the future is as ambitious as her journey so far. She remains determined to continue growing and creating opportunities for others.

“Education is important, and I want to contribute to my community by providing quality learning spaces, where every child’s potential and passion is realised. I want to give young people the opportunities I did not have,” she said.

To her, the Women’s Month and Women’s Day are a reminder of how far women have come and how much more they can achieve.

 

“Women’s Month and Day hold deep significance for me. There was a time when as women we were told to stay at home. Now, we are running the economy through our businesses, making an impact, and lifting each other up. Every woman is important and deserves recognition. Every woman is important and deserves recognition. If my story can inspire even one young woman to chase her dreams, then I have done my part,” she said.

For her the month is, not just a celebration, it is a call to action.

 

“Let us support each other. Let us buy from each other’s businesses, share opportunities, and speak life into each other’s dreams. The future is bright. Happy Women’s Day to every woman, let us keep breaking barriers, fighting for equality and empowering the nation,” she said with a smile.