Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
WHEN Michelle Madau, a Bulawayo native, first applied makeup for her friend’s wedding in 2009, little did she know that this simple act would set the stage for her entrepreneurial journey. Living with a disability, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, commonly known as brittle bone disease, didn’t deter her from heeding her friend’s advice to pursue her own beauty therapy company. In fact, it marked the beginning of her remarkable career as a businesswoman.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a genetic condition characterised by bones that easily fracture, often without apparent cause or minimal injury. Despite this challenge, Michelle has never allowed her disability to limit her ambitions. She sets her goals high, just like any other person in her midst.
After completing her primary and secondary education at King George VI, she pursued a diploma at Foundation Technical College. Little did she know that the seed of entrepreneurship had already been planted.
The idea of venturing into her own business took root after she worked her magic on her friend’s makeup for their wedding. The compliments poured in, with many suggesting that she turn her talent into a business. Michelle didn’t hesitate; she seized the opportunity and hasn’t looked back since.
“From there l started advertising my work. l would do the advertising from the boot of my car where l would park at a strategic place so that customers would see me on the roadside ad pass by and ask what it is that am doing,” said the businesswoman.
Over the years, as word spread, more and more people sought her services, leading to the growth of her company.
“Under the Divas Inc we do face beats, nails and have a kids clothing line boutique. I am also a professional assistant at a local cloth manufacturing company. Lucky for me growing up l never faced any stigma l think it’s because of the confidence they instilled in me back at home as l have always loved myself and long accepted who I am,” she said.
Michelle is heartened by the growing number of physically challenged women who are taking charge of their lives and refusing to let disability impede their progress. She said that self-acceptance is key and that dwelling on self-pity won’t make a disability disappear. Instead, she encourages others to seize control and learn to work with it.
Operating in her line of business is not without challenges, especially during slow seasons when weddings and graduations are less frequent. These occasions provide a significant portion of her clientele.
“To all women who are physically challenged self-acceptance is very importance because the disability will not disappear by feeling sorry for yourself. Instead you should take charge and learn to work with it,” she said. — @flora_sibanda
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