When I started ZimbOriginal back in 2016, I had no plans of turning it into a business. I simply wanted to write about the things I loved — Zimbabwean customs, traditions, culture, and languages. Writing gave me joy, and discovering more about our indigenous heritage was deeply fulfilling.Back then, I had no idea that my little corner of the internet would one day lead to a business. I didn’t even think in terms of products or services. I was just sharing what I cared about.But something interesting started to happen once I began posting consistently: I started receiving enquiries about Shona lessons for children.The funny thing is, at the time, I wasn’t teaching — I wasn’t even writing in Shona! Yet people assumed I offered lessons. I kept telling them I didn’t. Eventually, though, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to give it a try.My first learner came in 2019 — a child who had just returned from Italy and needed help keeping up with his Shona studies. That experience changed everything for me. It reminded me that culture and language are intertwined — you can’t talk about one without touching the other.Looking back, that moment marked the start of my creator journey. And over time, I’ve learned a few lessons that continue to shape how I think about creativity, business, and purpose.Here are five key takeaways that were important for me — and might be for you too.
1. Blend your skills with something you truly love to do
I’ve always loved writing, but not all topics interest me. I could never sustain a blog writing about things I didn’t care about.That’s why it’s so important to combine your skills with something you genuinely enjoy. My skill was writing; my passion — exploring culture and language.When you blend the two, you create something you can stick with long enough to grow. The entrepreneurial road can be challenging and sometimes lonely, and passion is what keeps you going when the rewards aren’t immediate.
2. Share your story in public
3. Attract people interested in what you do
Getting to do what I love — and doing it publicly — is what exposed me to unexpected opportunities. My blog became a space where I shared things of value, and in return, people who cared about the same things found me.Sharing your story doesn’t always mean starting a blog. It could be through social media, newsletters, or any platform where your voice can be heard.And by “story,” I don’t mean sales posts or adverts. I mean sharing insights, experiences, or perspectives that help people see what you care about. That’s what builds connection — and trust.Even if you already have a business, these two lessons are essential. They help you stay visible, relevant, and human.
4. Identify a problem you can solve
Once you start sharing publicly, you’ll begin to see what resonates — and what people need help with.
For me, the questions people asked were clues:
- “Do you teach children Shona?”
- “Can you translate my film?”
- “Do you write children’s books in Shona?”
- “Do you have information on my mutupo?”
Each question revealed a possible need. Sometimes the request wasn’t direct, but the opportunity was there if I paid attention.
5. Develop the right solutions for people’s real needs
It’s tempting to jump straight into creating what you think people want. But the key is to understand their pain points — not just the symptoms.Every offering that works does so because it solves a real problem. The better you understand your audience, the more likely you are to create something that truly helps them — and that they’re happy to pay for.
Final thoughts
If you’re still figuring out your path, start by asking:
- What do I enjoy doing that uses my best skills?
- Would I still do it if I didn’t have to make money from it?
And if you already have a business, ask
- How am I sharing my story publicly?
- Do I have an audience and community around what I do?
You don’t have to have everything figured out. Start with what you love, share it openly, listen to the feedback — and let the opportunities unfold from there.
