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Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Reporter
The Chiyangwa name rings a bell in everyone’s mind. Undoubtedly, the first Chiyangwa people will think about is property mogul Phillip Chiyangwa.
But his two daughters have proven that they do not need to live under his shadow.
Michelle and Cherish Chiyangwa might have had a lot of support from their father, but they are their own women.
They have not used their fathers’ name to get to where they are, but have embraced his support and teachings to create their own brands.
As we celebrate women’s month this March, Cherish and Michelle opened up on how they have managed to make it in the business sector as women.
Thirty-one year old Michelle said she first developed interest in business after finishing her studies at the University of Canterbury in 2011.
“It was my first time being home for a while and I discovered what I was passionate about was hair,” she said. “So, I decided to start a business centred on it.
“I initially bought some hair for myself that I wanted to sample, posted it on social media and it gained a lot of interest, so I decided to sell it. That is how Lady MC Hair was born.”
To complement the hair business, Michelle brought in equipment for a hair salon which was launched a year after Lady MC Hair.
Two years after that, Michelle started her real estate business on one of the family properties. She renovated 10 cottages and created accommodation for 10 families.
Working in the family property business has helped her to keep connected with her heritage and has grown her passion to continue the family legacy.
For Cherish, who is six years younger than Michelle, hard work has always come naturally.
Her mother and father have been her role models on how hard work pays.
She started off as a television personality on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation at the tender age of 11, then later started a modelling career at 14.
“After that I would write business proposals to my parents about different businesses I wanted to pursue,” said Cherish. “While in university, I launched my fashion label Heiress Couture.”
Cherish also has interest in the food industry through Tahani Taste.
“As a female entrepreneur, my journey with the culinary arts began at a very young age,” she said. “From sitting in the kitchen with my mum smelling the different auras and being so involved with the process of turning something so basic into a meal that will hug your insides, I knew I had to share what I’ve learnt over the years with the world. I recently launched the pickled chilli range, a flavour that is unmatched.”
Cherish is also into cosmetics with her Tahani Living.
Experiments with different organic products in the privacy of her bedroom birthed her own range of cosmetic products which have been well received on the market.
In the energy sector, she has invested in Nyati Gas and they have been bringing LP gas into the country and selling for both wholesale and retail.
Like her sister, property is in her blood and she is currently the managing director at Pinnacle Property.
As with all other businesses, the sisters have faced challenges in establishing themselves in the market.
But they have had to fight hard to survive among the competition.
“It’s a competitive market and for you to survive, you have to be able to offer a better service,” said Cherish. “Being a woman is another challenge in the sense that Zimbabwe is generally an economy with most businesses driven by male dominance.
“But you just need to have a tough skin and be fearless and relentless to prove wrong those that say women cannot build a successful business. I am happy though to say that there are more women coming out to showcase their business acumen and this is encouraging for the future of Zimbabwe.”
Cherish said she fought hard to be taken seriously, but in the end she realised that only she had the power to claim her destiny.
To keep her head high, she says she has refused to allow sexism to discourage her.
Instead, she has kept a positive attitude and stayed professional at all times.
“To all my beautiful, strong, powerful, courageous queens, my message to you is reach for the stars,” said Cherish. “Don’t allow anyone to stop you, always strive for success and fight for your identity.
“Do not allow anyone to stop you from claiming what God put you on this earth to do. Be bold, be different! Show up and show out! I’m rooting for you sis.”
The girls urged women to always aspire to live their dreams, to help each other build on their aspirations.
Although they have established themselves as their own persons, their father’s support has been crucial in their lives.
They said they have been able to keep their head high because of their parents who are always challenging and pushing them to learn more on the dynamics of business.
Michelle said although their father had given her support, she had established her own connections through what she had to offer.
“When I got back from university I would say I relied a lot on my parents’ support and connections,” she said. “As time went on, I separated myself from his brand. However, he is a giant in the business community so it’s very hard to separate myself totally from him, but it has not been a hindrance to anything I do.
“I just mind my own business and go into any situation putting my name forward. My father is an advisor and mentor when I need him and is always supportive. I had to learn by myself how to earn a living and make my own connections. It was hard, but any form of success isn’t easy to come by.”
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