Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Lifestyle Editor
Bikita is one of the districts in tinder dry Masvingo, famed for only two things: stint bugs (harurwa) and some scouring powder (vim): not fruits and, therefore to come from that far and make an impact in metropolitan Harare, let alone, its leafy suburbs where the who is who of Zimbabwe live, is no joke.
It is rare feat many people would never achieve.
That, coming from a young girl, who grew up walking the dusty paths of the village, fetching water from river-bank shallow wells, fetching firewood from the mountains and selling the scouring powder and stink bugs to motorists to eke a living is probably unimaginable.
But Nyaradzo Dhliwayo, is a mover, who, in less than six years has transformed her own lifestyle and that of many others (rich and poor) with a cocktail of healthy foods, centred on a carefully selected buffet of fruits.
Nyaradzo has made waves in the food industry with her innovative approach to health and wellness.
As the founder and chief executive officer of Yanaya Healthy Lifestyle, she has pioneered Zimbabwe’s first healthy food bar chain, which not only focuses on nutrition but also empowers women and supports local communities.
Nyaradzo’s journey reflects the profound benefits of a healthy lifestyle — promoting physical and mental well-being, fostering community engagement and nurturing sustainable practices.
By blending her passion for creative design, photography and entrepreneurship, she has crafted a brand that resonates with many, emphasising that wellness is not just a trend but a vital part of life, a lifestyle.
With a background in creative design and photography, Nyaradzo has seamlessly blended her artistic talent with her passion for nutrition, creating a brand that not only promotes delicious, health-conscious meals but also empowers women and uplifts local communities.
However, also as a nutritionist, focusing on healthy lifestyle, she has highlighted that it is crucial for overall well-being, impacting physical health, mental clarity and emotional resilience.
Healthy lifestyle fosters a sense of community, encourages sustainable practices and serves as a foundation for personal empowerment.
Nyaradzo’s journey reflects the transformative power of making informed dietary choices, advocating for wellness and inspiring others to prioritise their health — making it a vital aspect of living a fulfilling life.
To her, eating is not just stashing food into one’s stomach but taking specific foods for specific body effects.
Her journey with Yanaya exemplifies the life of a brainy girl child, who, like a sphynx rises from the ashes of poverty in yonder Bikita to make a positive impact for many.
The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle Editor, Tafadzwa Zimoyo (TZ) caught up with Nyaradzo Dhliwayo (ND), who shared her six-year journey on ‘Yanaya Healthy Lifestyle.
Being the first journalist to interview her six years ago as she came fresh from rural Bikita, catching up became time to reflect on the bumpy journey, of course, not on dry throats but chugging ‘‘baobab smoothies’’.
Below is the interview:
TZ: For those who have forgotten about the first interview, what inspired you to start Yanaya, and how did you envision its impact on health in Zimbabwe?
ND: The inspiration for ‘Yanaya A Healthy Lifestyle, stemmed from my personal experiences and observations of health challenges within my community. I noticed a significant gap in the market for nutritious, accessible food options, particularly for individuals with specific health conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
My vision was to create a space where people could enjoy delicious meals that not only satisfied their taste buds but also contributed to their overall well-being.
I wanted Yanaya to be more than just a food bar; it needed to be a movement that promoted holistic wellness and educated the community about healthy eating habits.
By offering physician-approved meals and catering to various dietary needs, I aimed to change the narrative around health in Zimbabwe, making it a priority for everyone.
TZ: Over the years, how has Yanaya Healthy Lifestyle evolved in terms of its offerings and community involvement?
ND: Yanaya has undergone remarkable evolution since its inception in July 2019.
Initially, we focused on establishing a strong brand presence with our first branch.
However, as we expanded to eight locations, we realised the importance of refining our offerings.
We introduced a wider range of meals, including keto-friendly options and recently launched a dairy-free product line that includes milk, ice cream, and yoghurt.
Our commitment to community involvement has also deepened. We’ve partnered with rural communities to source superfoods like baobab and moringa, ensuring fair trade practices that empower local farmers. This not only provides us with quality ingredients but also supports economic growth and food sovereignty in these communities.
We also launched Wamambo Space Designs, a decor and events company that allows us to creatively express our love for beauty, elegance and intentional aesthetics. It is about strategic brand storytelling.
In 10 years to come, I see Yanaya as a globally recognised wellness brand rooted in African heritage. We will expand into international markets.
TZ: What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how have you overcome them, hailing from a rural background?
ND: Being a young woman in business comes with its own set of challenges. I often faced biases based on gender, where my capabilities were sometimes underestimated. There were moments when I felt pressured to conform to traditional expectations, leading to self-doubt. Overcoming these hurdles required resilience and a strong support network. I sought mentorship from established women in business and leaned on my team for encouragement. Importantly, I learnt to embrace my identity and the unique perspective I bring to the table. Each challenge became a stepping stone, teaching me valuable lessons about leadership, confidence and the importance of taking up space for myself and other women.
TZ: As you celebrate six years of Yanaya A Healthy Lifestyle, what reflections do you have on this journey, and what are your dreams for the future?
ND: Celebrating six years is both surreal and humbling. I often reflect on our humble beginnings and the sheer determination that propelled us through economic downturns and a global pandemic. Each milestone represents not just business growth but also the impact we’ve made in people’s lives. Looking to the future, my dreams have expanded. I aspire to create a product that becomes a household name across Africa and beyond, something that resonates with people and embodies the ethos of wellness. I want to empower our employees, providing them with opportunities for growth and dignity. Most importantly, I aim to change the narrative surrounding young women in business, proving that integrity and strength can coexist with success.
This month, we are turning up the ‘‘matcha magic’’.
TZ: How do you maintain a balance between your personal life, business responsibilities and community engagement?
ND: Finding balance is a deliberate process for me. I prioritise planning my year, months and even days with intentionality. Each morning begins with devotion and reflection, grounding me before tackling the day’s challenges. In my personal life, communication with my husband is key — we make it a priority to spend quality time together amid our busy schedules. In business, I’ve learnt the importance of delegation; trusting my team to handle various responsibilities allows me to focus on strategic growth and community initiatives. By nurturing each area of my life, I create a harmonious existence where my business, personal and community commitments can thrive together.
TZ: What message do you have for young entrepreneurs and those aspiring to lead in their communities?
ND: To young entrepreneurs, especially, those from marginalised backgrounds, I want to say this: Your dreams are valid. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. You are not too young, inexperienced or different to create something extraordinary. The world needs your unique voice and perspective. Be persistent, stay open to learning and surround yourself with positivity. Remember, every setback is an opportunity for growth. Embrace your journey, celebrate your progress and keep pushing forward. Together we can change narratives and build a future where integrity, innovation and community engagement are at the forefront of our endeavours.
Peter Tanyanyiwa