Many men and women are becoming business owners and making a mark in their chosen industries. We spoke to a young woman named Rumbidzai Patricia Marodza, who became an entrepreneur after her marriage almost fell apart due to strained finances in the home. This is her story:
I’m the firstborn in a family of four and grew up in Budiriro, Harare. When l was pursuing a certificate in social work, l met my husband, and we got married. l expected what they call the “soft life,” thinking that, like at home, my husband would be the main provider financially.
We fought over little things like how wasteful l was with data on my phone. It was meant to last a week, but mine only lasted two days. Our issues escalated to the point where l wanted to leave him, but my mother advised against this. Instead, she ordered sandals worth $20 for me to sell. She put them on a bus from Harare to Bulawayo where my husband and I live.
I looked for a corner to sell in the area where l was staying and began my business. My strategy was to make sure my stall was always filled with stock. l started buying and selling diapers. This was during the COVID-19 lockdown when there were travel restrictions. I was warned against moving around in fear that l would contract the virus and pass it on to my baby who was just a few months old at the time, but l pressed on.
l injected every cent I made back into the business no matter how small the item was. l made sure l bought something. I continued advertising online and making deliveries to various places. As my business grew, l incorporated cosmetics in my business and that has become my main business product. l went in with the little knowledge l had.
A decision was made to look for a space in town after the restrictions were lifted, and that’s what l did. To build up clientele, l walked around and advertised my products in hair salons and various places. My hard work paid off as people started coming to me. Even suppliers began trusting me to sell their products without me actually having to buy them.
Looking back to where l began, l cannot even believe the progress l have made. I can only thank God for everything. From starting with stock worth $20, l now have stock worth close to 80 000 Rands (USD $4,700)!
In addition to being an entrepreneur, l am a student at the Women’s University of Africa studying social work. l plan on pursuing a master’s degree, even a Ph.D. My aim is to continue growing my business as l pursue a career in social work.
It takes a lot of discipline to start a business and grow it. I have learned to stay in my lane and not be taken by other people’s lifestyle choices. As a woman, having your own source of income is actually [empowering] to say the least. It is a freedom that one cannot explain.
Rumbidzai is currently on attachment as she continues to run her business.
