Twenty years ago, a 12-year-old Zimbabwean boy lost his mother. At that moment, life as he knew it collapsed. What followed was a series of hardships that could have broken him—homelessness, hunger, rejection, and despair.
Walking miles to school each day, enduring the harsh realities of his circumstances, Justin Gara faced the cruelty of society, which told him he would never amount to anything. “Teachers told me I wouldn’t make it, and people warned their children not to associate with me,” he says, the pain still evident in his words. “But even in the darkest times, there was something that kept me going.”
That “something” was a Gideon Version Bible that had been gifted to him while he was in the city. It became his manual for life, offering him hope when it seemed there was none. “I clung to that Bible, and slowly, it helped me find my faith again. I began to dream again, even when the world seemed determined to crush those dreams.”
“I became a street vendor, I slept outside, and I moved to the rural areas where food and clothes were luxuries,” recalls Justin. Through the pain, Justin kept dreaming. He clung to faith, hope, and love, believing that better days would come. Today, he is no longer the boy people dismissed—he is a visionary entrepreneur, a mentor, and the founder of four thriving organizations in Eswatini, each dedicated to changing lives.
Justin’s path to success was not immediate. After moving to Eswatini around 2016, he struggled with unemployment. “Entrepreneurship wasn’t my first choice—it was survival,” he admits. “At first, it was just a hobby, but as I studied business, I realised I wanted to be more than just a business owner. I wanted to be a disruptor and an innovator.”
Today, Justin oversees four organizations that are making a significant impact:
Just-Fitness Pty Ltd – The Trusted Partner in Health and Wellness
Just-Fitness is a one-stop wellness centre, where clients are offered Dietitian and Mental Health Consultation. “I’m a certified nutrition coach, and I initially opened a small office. From there, I expanded into a fully equipped wellness centre,” Justin shares.
Just-Fitness partners with major corporations, including banks and government institutions, to promote health and wellness. The company’s biggest milestone so far? A partnership with Eswatini’s Ministry of Health on the In It To Lose It campaign, raising awareness on non-communicable diseases.
Creative Minds Foundation – Empowering Africa’s Youth
Established in 2020, Creative Minds Foundation (CMF) is a youth-driven movement empowering young people through career guidance, mentorship, and entrepreneurship training.
Justin empowers youth, providing them with career guidance, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs designed to unlock their potential. “Our focus is on the youth because they are the leaders of tomorrow,” Justin affirms. “We equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”
CMF has also partnered with the U.S. Embassy to run mentorship programmes, giving young people the skills and confidence to build sustainable careers.
The CreativeLab – Marketing for Impact
In the business world, marketing is everything. Justin launched The CreativeLab, a marketing firm that provides customized branding and advertising solutions to businesses.
“A company’s brand is its most valuable asset,” Justin explains. “At The CreativeLab, we don’t just market—we tell compelling stories that connect businesses with their audience.”
The firm works with corporate sales, media management, and event planning, ensuring its clients stand out in competitive markets.
Eco-Lab Agri Consultancy – Sustainable Farming for Africa
As a firm believer in sustainability, Justin co-founded Eco-Lab Agri Consultancy, an agricultural firm helping farmers maximize productivity while protecting the environment.
“Our goal is to revolutionize farming in Southern Africa through AI-driven solutions,” he explains. “We are currently working on a project in Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, helping farmers integrate technology into their practices. Agriculture is the backbone of Africa—we must innovate to thrive.”
Overcoming Challenges and the Power of Collaboration
Justin’s journey has been riddled with obstacles, from financial struggles to breaking into industries resistant to change. But his greatest lesson? Collaboration over competition.
“I don’t see other businesses as competitors—I see them as players in the same game,” he says. “A defender and a striker have different roles, but they’re on the same team. That’s how I approach business. I collaborate with others, learn from them, and bring fresh strategies to the table.”
Even during COVID-19, when businesses collapsed, Justin and his team adapted and innovated. “We shifted to online solutions, virtual meetings, and AI-driven strategies,” he recalls. “Many traditional businesses failed because they refused to evolve. The lesson? Adaptability is survival.”
A Legacy in the Making
Justin is not just a businessman—he is a mentor, a community leader, and a believer in people. Whether through wellness initiatives, youth empowerment, or sustainable agriculture, his mission is clear: to create lasting impact.
This year, he is launching a wellness programme from March to December, with support from Eswatini’s mayor, NeDBank, and leading insurance companies.
But above all, Justin remains committed to his mission of inspiring and mentoring the next generation of leaders. He is expanding Creative Minds Foundation into a pan-African initiative, with a focus on countries like Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. “We believe the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, and we’re expanding CMF into a continental force—Creative Minds Africa,” Justin says with conviction.
“Our goal is to leave no one behind. We want young people in Rwanda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and beyond to have access to mentors and opportunities that shape their future.” “We want to make sure that no young person is left behind when it comes to mentorship,” he says with determination.
“Start where you are,” he advises aspiring entrepreneurs. “You don’t need millions to begin. You need an idea, a vision, and the willingness to collaborate. Business is about solving problems—find a problem, offer a solution, and watch your impact grow.”
His story is proof that success is not about where you start, but how you persevere. From a struggling child with no future to a leading entrepreneur shaping Africa’s business landscape, Justin Gara is an inspiration to many.
And for those still struggling, he leaves one message: “Trust the process. There are no shortcuts in life. Walk before you can run. Keep going, and one day, everything will fall into place.”
