Mendy Lerato Lusaba, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur creating opportunities for domestic workers

August 27, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Mendy Lerato Lusaba is a social entrepreneur and a decent work advocate with special interest in the domestic work sector. She is the founder of Chris and Geo Placements a domestic placement agency based in Zimbabwe. Chris and Geo recruits and places marginalised and economically disadvantaged persons as domestic workers. To date, she has placed over 2000 workers whilst impacting over 4000 families. Mendy also runs a team of 19 contract domestic workers. She is also the founder of the Domestic Workers Association of Zimbabwe a network of Zimbabwean domestic workers working in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and United Arab Emirates. DWAZ runs the first domestic worker training centre in Zimbabwe offering trainings in housekeeping, cooking and baking, gardening and care work. They also have a domestic worker netball team for the mental health of domestic workers.

Zvikomborero Jane Chigumadzi, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur making grocery shopping easier

August 14, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Zvikomborero Jane Chigumadzi is a Zimbabwean based entrepreneur who provides an online grocery shopping and door to door delivery service. She started her enterprise in October 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zvikomborero Jane sees herself as a fearless woman and a goal getter in life and in business. She is mother to a son Julian, and he is the reason the business was formed, so it was named after him. Zvikomborero Jane calls him her entrepreneurial baby.

Rudo Kumirai, an education change-maker in Zimbabwe

July 31, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Helena Schools, a trendsetting business making high quality education accessible to Zimbabwe’s children

Rudo Kumirai is a lawyer by profession, an educational entrepreneur and the founding CEO of a private educational group, Helena Schools, which was founded in 2010 in Zimbabwe. She has 11 years’ experience in banking and financial services, and has worked in various senior management positions in Southern Africa, having served as the Managing Director of a Micro-bank in Zambia, and a Corporate and Legal Advisor for the Botswana IFSC. Rudo is the Chairperson of Youth Bank, Empowerbank, serving as one of the youngest, female board chairpersons in a bank. Rudo founded the first leadership development curriculum for preschool and primary school, and has won several awards in recognition for her work including Ashoka Change Maker School Nominee, Young African Leadership Initiative Business Award, and Zimbabwe National Chamber for Commerce ZNCC Award for Outstanding Educational Institution, and Megafast Business Award. She is involved in various youth mentorship programs for pre-teens and teenagers from orphaned and vulnerable backgrounds. Her goal is to use education to empower the current generation to be relevant change-makers.

Tatenda Rungisa, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur with a passion for catering and event management

February 20, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Tatenda Rungisa, co-founder, Twin Connect Solutions (Zimbabwe)

Twin Connect Solutions, founded by entrepreneur Tatenda Rungisa and her sister Tafadzwa, is a catering and event management business in Zimbabwe, specializing in creating special celebration cakes and event memories for clients. They are also involved in charity work, motivational speaking, blogging and mentorship programs.

Rumbidzai Matemachani, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur building a unique footwear and accessories brand

November 14, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Rumbidzai Matemachani, founder, Rungano Rwedu (Zimbabwe)

For lovers of eye-catching luxury fashion accessories and footwear, look no further than Rungano Rwedu in Zimbabwe, founded by Rumbidzai Matemachani. Her creative talent, combined with some of the finest specialist training in footwear and accessory design and manufacture in Italy, led Rumbidzai to launch her own brand back in her home country of Zimbabwe.

Vanhu Vamwe, co-founded by award-winning Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, launches its new handcrafted handbag collection

October 10, 2021 Melanie Hawken

After 6 years off the design scene developing a framework around ‘Care in Design’ and ‘Putting People First’, a PhD and two years of design development, Vanhu Vamwe is back!! The collection designed by co-founder Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, together with husband and co-founder Simba Nyawiri is ‘MACRAME LUXE ON WHEELS’. The Multi Award Winning Brand has combined its love for storytelling, traditional craftsmanship and community to bring for the first time ‘A Made In Zimbabwe’, 100% Handcrafted Collection. During a pandemic, with impossibilities all round, Vanhu Vamwe established the first Macrame Community in Zimbabwe, bringing permanent employment, healing livelihoods and bringing hope to many families.

Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula, a respected and influential security industry player

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Securico Security Services, the Zimbabwean security services company transforming the industry landscape.

Through hard work, determination and focus, Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula has built her company to become the most respected and sought-after player in the security industry in Zimbabwe and internationally. She is the founder and Managing Director of DDNS Security Operations (Pvt) Ltd, the holding company under which SECURICO SECURITY SERVICES fall. Through her leadership, SECURICO now employs over 4 000 people and has become a multiple award-winning organisation. Divine herself has been listed among 100 Most Reputable Africans in 2020 by Reputation Poll International and was also named by Forbes magazine among the Most Influential Women in Africa.

Divine Ndhlukula, Africa's queen of security

January 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO (Zimbabwe)

This Zimbabwean woman tackled the previously male-dominated security industry head on, achieving remarkable success and becoming one of Africa's most inspiring women entrepreneurs. Meet Divine Ndhlukula, the founder of SECURICO, a 100% Zimbabwean and 100% Women owned company.

Sam Blake, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur taking a holistic approach to skincare with her business

December 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Sam Blake, founder of Skinadore Holistic Skincare (Zimbabwe)

As more and more people are becoming conscious about the type of products they put onto their skin, the desire to find more natural solutions is growing. In Zimbabwe, Sam Blake, founder of Skinadore Holistic Skincare and an experienced Aesthetician herself, has the solution.

Felistas Pelagia Chigwaza, a Zimbabwean creative entrepreneur putting handcrafted expertise at the heart of her business

December 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Felistas Pelagia Chigwaza, founder of Honex International Projects t/a SAGI Jewellers (Zimbabwe)

Zimbabwe has a reputation for producing quality handcrafted goods. But entrepreneur Felistas Pelagia Chigwaza, founder of Honex International Projects t/a SAGI Jewellers, is looking to build a legacy business that harnesses that creativity to produce accessories that local consumers and visitors alike want to buy.

Mirriam Murenga, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur building a unique accessory business that celebrates the craft of macramé

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Mirriam Murenga, co-founder of Trudy Mara (Zimbabwe)

Everyone loves a great handbag, and particularly one that stands out due to the craftsmanship shown in its creation. So for all those searching for a unique handbag that is the epitome of exquisite handicraft, Trudy Mara is the brand to look out for. Founders Mirriam Murenga and her sister Getrude are on a mission to introduce the beauty of macramé to discerning, stylish women customers.

100 Lionesses: Divine Ndhlukula recognised as Businesswoman of the Year Award at the Forbes Woman Africa Awards 2019

March 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Dr Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico (Zimbabwe)

The annual Forbes Woman Africa Awards took place on the evening of 8 March in Durban, South Africa. One of the highlights of the event was the official recognition of Dr Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico in Zimbabwe, as the winner of the prestigious Businesswoman of the Year Award.

Rumbi Serima-Fowler, a Zimbabwean organic skincare entrepreneur building a global ethical beauty brand

February 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Rumbi Serima-Fowler, founder of Mimi’s Organics Ltd (UK/Zimbabwe) — **Rumbi Serima-Fowler**, founder of Mimi’s Organics Ltd (UK/Zimbabwe)

Consumers are becoming more aware and interested in the ethical production of the cosmetics and beauty products they use. And Mimi’s Organics Ltd, founded by entrepreneur Rumbi Serima-Fowler, is one company that is passionate about creating world class products that have a soft touch on the environment and on the people who use them.

LIONESS LAUNCH: African Queen Magazine Online launches in Zimbabwe and globally

December 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Tofara Lindsay Chokera, founder of African Queen Zimbabwe

African Queen Zimbabwe has already built a reputation as a supplier of high quality African Print Fabric and Finished Products. But it is now launching an exciting new online publication, African Queen Magazine, which is aimed at motivating women and young people to start and grow their businesses online. The company is also offering advertising services in the magazine. TofaraOnline (Internet Marketing Coaching) also aims at assisting small businesses on strategies to grow their businesses online. These are exciting times for African Queen Zimbabwe.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Nature’s Delights launches convenient fruit and vegetable baskets for busy people in Zimbabwe

December 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Today, more and more people are leading busy lives, often too busy to spend time shopping or queueing for groceries at the end of the day. That’s where Chiedza Mahovo and her company, Nature’s Delights, comes in, launching a fabulous new service selling carefully selected fruit and vegetable produce baskets for busy people. It takes all the hassle out of shopping for daily fresh produce.

Amanda Simango, a creative graphic designer in Zimbabwe building a business that is driven by a love for her work

December 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Amanda Simango, founder of Amy Designs (Zimbabwe) — **Amanda Simango**, founder of Amy Designs (Zimbabwe)

For any company or organisation, building and maintaining a strong brand in the marketplace is key to success, and to achieve that goal relies on the support of great design and brand appeal. In Zimbabwe, Amanda Simango, founder of Amy Designs, is bringing a wealth of creativity and a portfolio of design expertise to help any client get noticed.

Thembe Khumalo, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur helping small businesses to grow their brands through great communication.

October 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Thembe Khumalo, founder of Brandbuilder (Zimbabwe)

Behind every successful business is a great brand that connects products and services to those all important customers. But building a great brand takes hard work and specialist expertise, and in Zimbabwe, that’s where Thembe Khumalo and her company Brandbuilder come in. They bring 20 years of specialist expertise to any client brief and make the process of brand building a whole lot easier.

Harare’s women entrepreneurs gather to share, inspire and connect for business success at the Lioness Lean In event

October 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken

On the morning of Tuesday 9 October, Zimbabwe’s leading women entrepreneurs gathered together in Harare at The Venue to be inspired and to connect with their fellow women business and brand builders at the inaugural Lioness Lean In breakfast event in the country. And it lived up to its promise of a great occasion! The event was cohosted by Lionesses of Africa and Nedbank.

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