Based in Kya Sand, Christine Gamuchirai Zari (22) shared how she made use of her incredible crocheting skills to financially sustain her family’s basic needs.
Zari is the second born of five siblings and is a young dedicated mother who works tirelessly as she creates and designs the cutest cuddly toys from wool. Her designs imitate all kinds of animals, from zebras to lions, rhinos to donkeys, and a whole lot more. Zari has the whole ‘zoo’ on sale.
Keeping her goal of creating a better life for her brothers (11 and 14), her son (5) and her mother, Zari shared that she had to drop out of school due to a lack of funds and has since been her family’s financial provider.
“I had to find something that would help my mom send my brothers to school,” said Zari. “Being poor is the last thing I wanted, so I had to find something to do.”
After a friend taught her how to crochet, she began her small business in 2017 and named it Christine’s Teddy Bears.
Zari began her business with a budget of R500 that she used to source the material for her handmade crafts, her main material being wool at R25 a ball.
She said she worked from home and sold her goods in the streets or at local markets, the next being the Prison Break Market in Midrand in November.
She added the Covid-19 pandemic had not been easy for her family. “We had no choice but to ask for food but at least we never slept on a [empty] stomach.
However, she said her family and the community have been very supportive of her business.
The entrepreneurial supermom said her goals for the future were to become a successful businesswoman and to own her own company.
“My other dream is to go overseas and open my own business there.”
Zari encouraged young businesswomen not to lose hope. “I believe patience pays, so don’t give up.”
Zari’s five tips for business people such as herself:
- Patience. This is important
- Don’t ever give up. Keep going
- Don’t be rude towards your clients as they are your biggest supporters
- Respect everyone that you meet
- Never judge people.
Following her Facebook posts on her Christine’s Teddy Bears page, Zari has received hundreds of comments from social media users from all over the world including Canada, Australia and London. People commended this young phenomenal woman’s talents.
Here are some of the comments:
Carla Koch said, ‘Just received my teddy’s today! Great quality, fast delivery, neat work! Thank you!’
Sandy Hitchins said, ‘This lady is amazing. I received my parcel on Friday morning and I am very impressed with the quality! It’s beautiful and a present for my first grandson due in October! Lion and giraffe going to live in Melbourne. Thank you, Christine.’
Melicca Zade Barreto said, ‘Those are really beautiful! Congratulations on your craft and I hope you are able to be very successful because you’re truly talented!’
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