Faith Mudiwa Chipangura’s story begins in the unlikeliest of places – a small village called Embakwe, located just outside Plumtree in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland South. Born prematurely in 1989, in the humble confines of her grandmother’s kitchen, the odds of her survival were slim. But Faith’s parents, driven by unwavering hope, named her “Faith,” and from that moment, she was destined to defy expectations.
“I made an early entrance into the world, but my parents held onto their faith. They believed for a miracle,” Faith reflects, her voice steady but filled with the weight of a life shaped by such a profound beginning.
Raised in a rural community where resources were scarce and opportunities even rare, Faith’s childhood was marked by a profound sense of family unity. Surrounded by siblings, cousins, and extended relatives, she learned early on that survival wasn’t just about luck—it was about hard work, adaptability, and resilience. Her mother, a nurse by profession, balanced the demands of her job with a series of side businesses to make ends meet. From a young age, Faith was introduced to the concept of financial independence.
“I watched my mother never rely on just one source of income. She was always thinking outside the box,” Faith explains. It was her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit that sparked something deep within her, an internal fire to one day create something of her own, something that could help change the lives of others.
After completing her schooling at a Roman Catholic mission school and later attending Empandeni Girls High, Faith’s desire for more was undeniable. She wanted to achieve financial independence, not just for herself, but for her community. “From a young age, I always desired more,” she says. “I wanted to do something different.”
But the road to realizing her dreams wasn’t linear. Like many entrepreneurs, Faith’s journey was one of trial and error. She dabbled in various ventures—some successful, others not so much—but each failure became a stepping stone toward the bigger picture. It wasn’t until 2016 that she found her true calling when she wrote her first book.
However, after completing the manuscript, she was faced with a daunting reality: there was no easy way to publish it. “I had no idea what to do with it,” Faith admits. “It sat untouched for two years.” But that period of waiting would lead to a life-changing encounter with a mentor, who would guide her through the publishing process.
Creating Phoenix Publishing
Yet, as she navigated the publishing world, Faith realized something startling—there was no one-stop solution for authors like herself. She had to rely on four different service providers to get her book published, and the cost was prohibitively high for someone just starting out. “I quickly realized there was a gap,” she says. “There was no single place that offered all the services I needed under one roof.”
This realization sparked the birth of her very own publishing house—Phoenix Publishing. Faith set out to build a company that could offer affordable, comprehensive, and high-quality publishing services to aspiring authors. “I wanted to make publishing accessible,” she says. “Traditional publishing had created a barrier for many aspiring writers, and I knew I could help bridge that gap.”
Today, Phoenix Publishing stands as one of Zimbabwe’s leading independent publishing houses, providing an array of services for authors of all kinds. From self-help books to children’s literature, poetry, and textbooks, Faith’s company has touched countless lives, allowing authors to bring their stories to life without breaking the bank. Operating in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, Phoenix Publishing is not just a business—it’s an opportunity generator. The company has created jobs, provided mentorship to emerging writers, and fostered a creative community that thrives on innovation and collaboration.
“Four years later, we’ve built something special,” Faith reflects with pride. “We help authors tell their stories, and in doing so, we’re telling our own story too.”
However, the path to success was not without its hurdles. The business landscape in Zimbabwe is notoriously tough, with economic instability and a lack of resources being just some of the challenges Faith had to navigate. In addition to that, the publishing industry itself is small and highly competitive. But instead of being discouraged, Faith adapted to these challenges, constantly evolving and staying ahead of the curve. “The key to staying ahead is flexibility,” she says. “You have to be innovative and collaborate with the best in the industry.”
She has become a master of staying resilient and maintaining a clear focus on her goals, even when things get tough. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that nothing lasts forever—neither the highs nor the lows,” Faith shares. “Stay calm, plan ahead, and keep going.”
One of Faith’s proudest achievements is the Phoenix Publishing Annual Book Awards, an initiative she launched in 2021 to celebrate the hard work of African authors. “The awards acknowledge authors for their efforts and let them know that they are seen and valued,” Faith explains. Over the years, the awards have expanded, with plans to recognize authors across Southern Africa and eventually, the entire African continent.
Giving Back Through Woman to Woman
But Faith’s work isn’t just about books and business. She has a deep passion for giving back to her community, particularly when it comes to empowering women. Through her organization, Woman to Woman, Faith has been able to provide support and encouragement to women in need. Every year, she donates essential items like stationery, clothes, and sanitary wear to those less fortunate. “I’ve always had a heart for humanitarian work,” she says. “It’s a small effort, but it’s a start.” “My hope is to grow this work and make an even bigger impact in the future.”
Innovating for the Future
In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Faith is also continuously looking for ways to innovate. “We don’t just follow trends,” she says. “We respond to real market needs.” One of her upcoming projects includes the launch of SHE LEADS, a magazine that will profile Zimbabwean women who are making an impact in their industries. “We want to highlight real-life role models,” she explains, “not just Instagram influencers, but women who have worked hard to become extraordinary leaders.”
With an eye always on the future, Faith is also gearing up to release ten new books this February, focusing on topics like mental health, healing, and poetry—all centered around the theme of encouragement.
Faith’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of perseverance, vision, and generosity. From a tiny village in Zimbabwe to becoming a businesswoman who is changing the landscape of publishing, she has proven that with determination and faith, anything is possible. “Believe in your capabilities, trust God, and take the leap,” she advises aspiring entrepreneurs. “A strong why will anchor you through the storms.”
In a world that often demands instant results, Faith Mudiwa Chipangura stands as a testament to the power of grit, vision, and giving back. Her journey is far from over, but her impact is already undeniable. And for anyone who has ever doubted that success can come from the most unlikely of beginnings, Faith’s story is proof that miracles do happen, and dreams can be realized.
