Age: 23
Location: Stoneridge, Harare
Title: Market Vendor and Jewelry Designer

Varaidzo Tokotore’s story is a testament to perseverance and the power of opportunity. At just 23 years old, Varaidzo had already faced abandonment, financial instability, and the challenges of raising a child as a single mother. Living in Stoneridge, she relied on selling tomatoes and onions on the roadside to survive. Her days were long and exhausting, but despite her efforts, the income was too little to cover her basic needs. Debt and hunger became constant companions, and Varaidzo often lay awake at night wondering how she would make it through the next day.

Her life began to change when a customer noticed her potential and introduced her to the Safe and Inclusive Cities Project. Through training provided by Youth Ensemble and the Storage Innovation App Hub, Varaidzo learned essential business skills such as bookkeeping, customer care, and debt management. The program also introduced her to jewelry-making, a craft that not only sparked her creativity but also became a lucrative business venture. With an initial fund of $100 provided by the project, Varaidzo purchased beads and tools to start her jewelry line. As her confidence grew, so did the intricacy of her designs, which quickly gained popularity in her community. Varaidzo also diversified her offerings by adding fresh produce to her stall, attracting more customers every day. Two years later, Varaidzo’s life is unrecognizable. Her income has increased significantly, allowing her to comfortably support her child and even mentor other women in her community. Her market stall, now thriving, is a hub of activity, and her handmade jewelry has developed a loyal following in Harare. “Life once felt like darkness,” Varaidzo reflects. “But now, I am happy, confident, and building a better future for my family. I teach other women what I’ve learned because I know how hard it is to start with nothing.”