In the middle of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, when most of the world was gripped with the kind of fear and panic that made them uncertain about their future, Valerie Chatindo was unknowingly sowing the seeds of her entrepreneurship journey in the most unlikely of situations.
“Masibanda Pride is a communications and marketing agency I founded with the vision of empowering civil society organizations to communicate their messages effectively. The journey to starting this company was not planned,” recalls Valerie.
“It emerged from a period of personal reflection during the 2020 lockdown. At the time, I was not in the best mental space, so I turned to writing as a way to process things.
“As I shared my reflections, they were accepted for publication, and I realized I had found a platform to express myself. This led me to reach out to organizations I felt could benefit from professional content,” she adds.
Filling the Gap
Masibanda Pride is a dynamic communications agency that bridges the gap between writers, content creators, and impactful opportunities, fostering a community where creativity thrives and stories find their voice.
Valerie points out she established the consultancy with the mission to help organizations craft meaningful content and media that resonates with the public and drives meaningful engagement.
“Whether it is through storytelling, tailored communication strategies, or innovative content creation, we specialize in amplifying messages that leave a lasting impact. We also strive to become a leading communications development consultancy and social marketing brand,” she explains.
Entrepreneur At Heart
Born in the tranquil, mountainous town of Mutare, located in the eastern part of Zimbabwe, Valerie found herself in a boarding school after both her parents decided to explore opportunities in the United Kingdom.
She moved to Randburg in South Africa after her mother returned from the United Kingdom in what was the beginning of a nomadic journey that would see them relocating to Pretoria and then back to Zimbabwe again.
“It was a period where I was constantly travelling between Zimbabwe and South Africa until we eventually settled in Mutare, and later, Harare, where my family is now based. I consider myself fortunate to have received a private education, attending prominent schools that are well known for shaping well-rounded individuals,” Valerie explains.
“My education laid the foundation, but it was the challenges, the constant movement and the exposure to different worlds that shaped my entrepreneurial mindset. When I graduated from university, the economy was tough, and I was facing challenges paying my tuition fees. So, I turned to something creative—starting my perfume-making business.
“I began crafting and selling perfumes, an endeavor that helped me make ends meet, but it quickly became clear that I needed more business acumen to scale it successfully. It was during this time that I jumped into selling insurance and later worked as a client relationship manager in the forex trading industry.
“These roles not only helped me learn the intricacies of client management but also sparked my interest in broader business strategy. Today, I run a communications agency that does not just focus on marketing, but also on creating meaningful connections and impact through effective storytelling and strategic communications,” Valerie adds.
Collaborating With Experts
Valerie reveals how the business model for Masibanda Pride revolves around not having full-time employees but instead collaborating with a diverse team of consultants, each bringing specialized expertise in areas like systems management, language translation, climate communication, and team building.
Says Valerie: “This approach enables us to offer comprehensive services for various projects, including workshops and communication materials for climate change initiatives. The goal is to create a platform where these experts can connect with projects that match their skills, with a commission structure that ensures everyone benefits.
“We are registered as a private limited company, and all team members work on a consultancy basis. This flexible structure allows me to build a collaborative, supportive environment where my peers can grow alongside me, honing their entrepreneurial skills while contributing to the company’s success.
“I believe in nurturing leadership, and this approach empowers my collaborators to shine in their respective fields, growing with me and sharing in the journey toward success. Ultimately, Masibanda Pride is not just about building a business, it is also about creating a platform that fosters growth, collaboration, and empowerment for everyone involved.”
From Challenges to Successes
As an entrepreneur who has been through a lot of challenges, Valerie has developed a ‘thick skin’ and has developed a resilient attitude. Along the way, she has embraced failure as part of a learning curve.
“My mentality is simple – as long as I am doing everything by the book, I can rest easy knowing that I have done my best, no matter what happens. There is peace in knowing that you have put in the effort and handled things with integrity.
“Ultimately, I view obstacles as stepping stones. I do not get bogged down by setbacks. I laugh, learn, and move forward. I believe that I have a role to play in my community, my country, and the world. Even if I fail along the way, it is still okay. I will pick myself up and keep trying. Life is about persistence and growth, and that is exactly what I always focus on,” Valerie says.
The milestones she has achieved along the way have not only strengthened her resolve but have also vindicated her vision by demonstrating she is on the correct growth and sustainability trajectory.
“Some of my most notable success stories have stemmed from my ability to merge my passion for communication, social impact, and entrepreneurship. Through Masibanda Pride, I have been able to help various organizations amplify their voices, from civil society organizations like drug recovery centers and arts trusts to architectural firms.
“In 2023, I launched Shumba Literary Magazine, which is another project very close to my heart. The magazine is dedicated to amplifying untold stories of marginalized voices, the environment, and social issues.
“Alongside these projects, my perfume business also stands out as a key success story. Initially started in university, the business has had a few ups and downs, but I’m excited to announce that I am relaunching it with the help of a distribution partner in India,” says Valerie.
‘Look For a Problem to Solve’
Valerie encourages emerging entrepreneurs not to be discouraged by obstacles such as limited financial resources.
“My advice to small business entrepreneurs is simple: just get started. You don’t need large amounts of capital to begin. Formalize your business legally, register your idea, and protect it—whether through patents or other means.
“But the most important thing is to start, no matter the resources you have. You don’t need tens of thousands of dollars to begin. Use what you have. If possible, create multiple streams of income.
“While your business is evolving, do not use the revenue for personal expenses. Reinvest it back into your business to help it grow. Many businesses plateau because the income is used for daily living rather than reinvested,” says Valerie.
