Started from the bottom now we here!!

In the last week I have had interactions with a lot of people in my past, from schoolmates, ex-bosses and workmates and it reminded me of what an amazing journey I have had and how God aligned certain people and experiences in my life to shape me. When things happen at the time that they happen, you can never make sense of it, but when you look back, it all makes perfect sense. I would like to take you on a journey of my professional background just so you have an appreciation of who I am today. I left St.Johns High School (Emerald Hill) in 2003 without the slightest idea of where I wanted to go. My mum immediately said she didn’t want anyone to stay at home so she got me a job soon after high school at Eaglesvale prep as a grade 1 assistant teacher, who also doubled up as Tennis coach and music teacher (ofcourse). My first salary was $300 and also had a free accommodation at the school and at 18 years, I was balling out of control with that money! I was sensible enough to start my diploma in Personnel Management with IPMZ which I completed a year later. After that I left Eaglesvale and was employed by Egnes Ndlovu who owned Beanbag Trading. I was her personal assistant and we specialised in corporate gifts and branding. We had a small office in town and it was a 2 man band so the interaction was very one on one and I learnt a great deal. Then came African Sun, at that time Zimsun. I was hired as a call centre operator, along with my close friends. I easily rose through the ranks and went to front office, then guest relations. I have the fondest memory of my boss Tapiwa Mtshiya who has got to be a woman I can only aspire to be. When I was in guest relations I fell pregnant (at 21 years...story for another day). So I could not continue to be on my feet and was moved to functions! Can you believe that at that time I was so disappointed by that move not knowing that a new passion was about to be unearthed. I was put under Edna Kaseke who allowed me to sit all day and do all the admin work (which was hectic by the way). She also taught me everything I know about the business. African Sun had a thorough way of induction and in no time I knew the ins and outs of any kind of event. By the time I went on maternity leave I knew I had a future in event management. So I gave birth at 27 weeks (story of my life) and was back at work now officially as a functions coordinator! It was great. I had just had a life changing experience, was now married and had a new perspective on life. I decided to go back to school and start my degree in Sociology and Gender studies with the Women’s University. Picture this, I had a demanding job, I was married, had a severe pre- term to take care of, and somewhere in there I started Wildfire Events. It got so overwhelming so I decided to leave for an 8-5 job which I got at a company called Oratile Logistics as sales and marketing executive! It was ok, but didn’t really enjoy it for long so I went to AIT Distribution as a Marketing Executive at that time headed by Tapiwa Chinyadza. More fun times there. I then left AIT and started to do my own thing running Wildfire Events. I hosted some of the most amazing parties with my husband who had a crazy network of people and the name grew bit by bit which allowed me to get a few jobs here and there. My most memorable big event was the wedding expo where Barbreanne Linnel allowed me to host the entertainment stage in Harare Gardens. I had never done it before but managed to get the best entertainment to run through the whole day, set up an amazing stage , got Divine Concert Sound to do the sound and Willis Wataffi was the main act amongst others ALL FOR FREE!!! I remember going home that night thinking ...How on earth did I do that??? Somewhere during all this madness I met Edith weUtonga and played for her band which was a total pleasure and I could earn a few dollars in the process so I was set! So fortunes changed and things got harder and Zimbabwe was also on a crazy spell at that time. It affected every area of my life including my marriage which unfortunately I could not save. I tried to get back into employment and luckily got a job at Nashua Zimbabwe as a sales executive. At Nashua I had the best sales training I have ever received as they had a consultant come in from South Africa. Unfortunately I did not stay there for long because magitare were calling and I just couldn’t bear working for someone else. I just knew I had to go but I had no plan B. God then put me in a place where nothing else would work but magitare! You know when Jonah was called and he refused but had to be swallowed by a big fish to get the idea...well thats kinda what happened. I left my matrimonial home in November 2012 to the comfort and support of my family and I tell you things started happening. The gigs started coming, the opportunities knocked in all directions and Tariro neGitare was born. The Acoustic Night also started taking shape thanks to the Zimbabwe German Society ably led by Roberta Wagner and my first tour to Germany even changed my whole perspective on my career. I am back at school, now doing my Masters in Development, still running Wildfire Events and Magitare Trust and following my passion through Tariro neGitare. I have no fears, no apologies and no regrets and I can safely tell you that this all happened not on my own power, but a greater force was at work all the while and I was being prepared to walk a journey that I am so confident to walk in because I am assured of the promise that my gift will make room for me. Whatever situation you are in, whether good or bad, you are there for a reason. Bottom line...started from the bottom now we’re here, and still going!!! Be inspired!