It was 2019 when I first sat across from a shy little boy at my dining table in Harare. He had just returned from Italy and needed help keeping up with his Shona lessons. At that time, my “business” was just me, a few printed worksheets, and a desire to help him reconnect with his language.Fast forward a year, and the pandemic hit. Overnight, in-person lessons became impossible. I had to figure out how to continue teaching without ever seeing my learners face-to-face. At first, the thought of moving online was intimidating. But once I started exploring, I realised that going digital wasn’t just a necessity — it was a doorway to growing ZimbOriginal in ways I hadn’t imagined.Looking back, this shift taught me something crucial: the right tools can change not only how you work, but what you can achieve. Here’s how I use online tools to run my creative business — and how you could apply them in your own journey.

1. Transforming My Product

Before the pandemic, every lesson was handcrafted for each learner. It was exhausting, but I loved it. Moving online forced me to rethink everything. Suddenly, I could develop materials once and reuse them, track learner progress digitally, and structure my offerings more efficiently.I also started experimenting with physical books — designing the covers myself and making them an extension of what I taught online. Each tool I picked up became part of the puzzle, helping me bring my ideas to life in a more sustainable way.

The tools I use:

• Learning management system (LMS)
• Website hosting
• Graphic design software

Lesson for you:

Even if you’re just starting, think about how your skills or knowledge could be packaged into a product — online or offline. You don’t need everything perfect at the start; the important thing is to commit and experiment.

2. Learning the Importance of Marketing

For a long time, I believed that if I just put out good work, people would notice. Reality check: they didn’t.Structured marketing was something I had to learn the hard way. I started with an email marketing system — small, simple, free. Suddenly, I could reach people who were genuinely interested in my work. Social media is great for visibility, but engagement? That comes through direct, consistent communication, like email.I began sharing stories about my lessons, the little wins and challenges, and the feedback started flowing in. People weren’t just seeing a service — they were seeing my journey and connecting with it.

Lesson for you:

Build an audience and nurture it. Share stories, insights, or experiences — not just ads. That’s how you create real engagement.

3. Writing Efficiently

Writing has always been my anchor. But with more content to produce — lessons, blog posts, course materials — I needed a little help. That’s when I started experimenting with AI tools.I use AI to research keywords and draft article outlines, saving hours of work each week. The writing itself? Still me. AI doesn’t know my voice — and I like it that way. It’s a tool to guide me, not replace me

Lesson for you:

Think of technology as an assistant, not a crutch. Use it to make your work easier, but keep your voice, perspective, and creativity front and center.

4. Keeping Financial Records

When I first started, I avoided thinking about money. Asking for payment felt awkward. But running a business means treating it like a real operation. Invoicing, tracking expenses, and recording sales became non-negotiables.Simple accounting software now helps me generate invoices, track payments, and compare income versus expenses. The professionalism this brings builds trust — with clients and with myself.

Lesson for you:

Start small, but start early. Even if you’re just a solo creator, keeping records makes your work manageable and gives you clarity on whether your efforts are paying off.

5. Staying Curious and Learning

Finally, the most valuable tool in my toolkit isn’t software — it’s learning itself. I follow creators in my space, take online courses (free and paid), listen to podcasts, and read widely. Every new insight helps me improve lessons, discover new opportunities, and stay inspired.Some courses are directly about language or culture, some about marketing, writing, or design. Each one adds a piece to the puzzle.

Lesson for you:

Never stop learning. The online world is vast, and there’s always someone from whom you can learn — no matter their location or background.

Final Reflections

Moving online wasn’t just about surviving a pandemic. It was about scaling what I love in a way that made sense. Each tool — from LMS platforms to email systems, from AI assistants to accounting software — helped me work smarter, reach more learners, and share Zimbabwean culture with a wider audience.The story here isn’t about technology. It’s about curiosity, adaptability, and consistency. Tools are only as good as the person using them. And the good news? Anyone can start small, experiment, and gradually build a system that works.

So if you’re wondering how to turn your passion into something sustainable, start by asking yourself:

• What part of my work could benefit from digital tools?
• Which tools could help me work smarter and share my story better?
• How can I use these tools to grow, without losing the joy in what I do?

Start there. Experiment, learn, and keep moving forward — the tools will follow.