Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
A BULAWAYO woman has used social media platform YouTube to learn a skill which has become her source of livelihood.
Ms Makaita Tekere (26) who lives in the city centre has become a manicurist or nail technician, after spending time on social media platforms learning how to do nails.
She believes that the internet and social media platforms can empower or damage individuals depending on how they are used.
Ms Tekere, realising the opportunities that exist online has formed an organisation to assist young women in business to tap into online markets.
Some people have tarnished their reputation while others have enhanced their brands through the usage of virtual platforms.
Ms Tekere who failed her Ordinary Level said she had no skill when she exited the school system but thanks to online tutorials, she has carved a career that sustains her livelihood.
“I watched a lot of YouTube videos about doing nails and that is how I started doing them. When I started it was hard because I would ask a number of nail technicians to help me master the technique but a few were willing to help.
However, that did not stop me from pushing. I practiced until I got it right and I’m still perfecting my skills to date. I then started my organisation Maxy’s Nail Bar which keeps growing each day,” said Ms Tekere.
She said realising the opportunities that exist online, she founded Pusheka Girl, an organisation that aims to push young women to be productive while engaging in entrepreneurial projects.
Ms Tekere said her organisation has been in existence for two years and its intention is to have young women being independent.
“There are a lot of people who are crying that there are no opportunities in the country. But sometimes we have to ask, what have you done to empower yourself. You can’t always be crying yet you are doing nothing to change your life. A lot of young people are spending their time on social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram,
Facebook but don’t really maximise on the platforms. So that’s where we derive our name Pusheka Girl, which loosely translates to having the girl being willing to move. We are pushing you out of the comfort zone,” said Ms Tekere.
She said her organisation conducts seminars almost every Saturday virtually to educate young women involved in business to improve their acumen. Ms Tekere said the seminars are conducted on platforms such as Instagram where she has at least 5000 followers.
“The seminar is just for 10 minutes where we invite other young women in business to come and inspire our members. We have not targeted big names in business but people we think can inspire our members. We chose Instagram over other social media platforms because it’s mainly for visuals. So, it’s easy for members to market their products.
We have also taken advantage of other social media platforms such as WhatsApp which are popular in the country for networking. I believe networking helps one to grow and in business you definitely need a pool of people who can connect you with others with the same mindset,” said Ms Tekere.
She credited her sister Ms Tatenda Tekere and longtime friend Ms Lungile Ngwenya for contributing to the growth of her brand.
Ms Tekere said her wish is to see young women rising above challenges and be involved in socioeconomic development.
Ms Bethande Dube from Emakhandeni suburb who sells clothing among other things said through joining Pusheka Girl, she has managed to expand her markets.
“It’s a good initiative because it’s all about women in business and supporting each other. This is why I joined and it has been good for my business because I have been getting a lot of clients through business seminars and business posts that we do every Wednesday and outreach programmes. So, it has really been beneficial. I used to market my products using social media but through Pusheka Girl I have a wider audience,” said Ms Dube.
Another member, Ms Jane Silaigwana said joining Pusheka Girl movement has instilled business discipline in what she does.
Ms Silaigwana said she is a hustler and sells anything that can provide her with money.
“It has helped me to be consistent in my business ventures, I have that drive to make a difference. Through Pusheka Girl we are being educated on how we can professionalise our business, register companies and even pay tax. It really empowers you as it gives you a business direction and how to reach out to clients and remain relevant,” said Ms Silaigwana. — @nqotshili
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