Ronald Takudzwa Sambona
Youth Interactive Correspondent
“My late mum was my first example of entrepreneurship. She worked a nine-to-five job, but was always finding ways to do more. I remember her raising chickens for resale and making cleaning detergents.
“I would come home from primary school and help her mix the chemicals in a large bucket.
“Looking back, I was learning about entrepreneurship without even realising it.” Ishe Suk’oluhle Mahachi watched her late mother run businesses and was inspired to start SKO, a jewellery store with a growing customer base of over 300 people.
“Mum taught me the value of independence, hard work, and always looking for opportunities.”
“To me, empowerment goes beyond giving women seats at the table to giving them freedom and confidence to build their own tables.”
“What makes me proudest about SKO is that people express love by gifting our jewellery. It’s beautiful that our pieces become part of people’s special moments.”
Growing up, she was creative.
“My love for creativity wedded my love for business.
“That union led me to found SKO.” Over the years, Suk’oluhle has supplied schools, collaborated with GLOH, and social media influencers, highlighting her commitment to empowerment through entrepreneurship.
“Every purchase, recommendation, and encouragement means something to me.” “Mum was my biggest supporter.”
“My family, friends, and strangers have supported SKO too. I’m grateful.”
She understands that dreams demand personal belief.
“I have been my own first and biggest supporter.”
“Madam C.J. Walker inspires me because she built her beauty business from the ground up whilst creating employment opportunities for women. Mum will always be my greatest inspiration. I learnt a great deal watching her work.”
“Beyond the glitz and glam, I dream big, I stand out, and I carve my own path. I’m passionate about growth, business, and self-development.”
“I also love fitness because I believe in taking care of the body that carries you through life.”
“And, of course, I’m a huge dog lover. To know me is to know my love for dogs!” “I’m a tech girl who loves to document moments through videos and content creation. I also enjoy project management.”
For Suk’oluhle, “life is limitless”.
“Girls can be in tech, build businesses, be creative, and still discover new passions along the way.
“That freedom to explore different paths is what makes it all meaningful.”
Suk’oluhle’s journey taught her that education doesn’t limit anyone; it’s the foundation from which you build so much more.
“I hold a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Computer Hardware Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe. My degree taught me to think, analyse problems, and find solutions, which helped me build SKO.”
Education alone wasn’t enough. “Building SKO has taught me things that no classroom could’ve fully prepared me for – understanding customers, marketing, managing stock, and learning how to sustain a business.”
“Girls should be encouraged to pursue education because it expands their choices, but learning doesn’t stop when you graduate. My biggest lessons came from experience, taking risks, and being willing to learn as I go.”
“Women lack resources, funding, networks, visibility, and aren’t taken seriously at the onset.”
“Empowerment requires more than encouragement; it demands creating opportunities for women to succeed.”
“Government must improve access to funding and opportunities for women-owned enterprises.
“Academic institutions must incorporate practical entrepreneurship and financial literacy programmes.
“Communities must support women’s businesses and give them the confidence to pursue their ideas.”
“My vision is to establish the SKO Foundation, dedicated to giving back to my community that has supported the brand. I hope to fulfil it because SKO’s success must create opportunities for other women.”
