The growing demand for and appreciation of healthy diets and lifestyles is driven by several factors, including the increasing need to improve personal health in light of rising cases of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure. These conditions are often caused by the overconsumption of unhealthy foods and living in polluted environments.
People pursue healthy lifestyles in various ways, from the food they eat to the environments they choose to live in, as well as physical exercise. This choice is often motivated by personal concerns about health, social pressures, financial situations, and other reasons.
Statistics on obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure in Zimbabwe reveal that adult women are most affected by these conditions, except for high blood pressure, which has shown a higher prevalence in men during recent screenings. Since 2015, Zimbabwe has seen a significant rise in unresolved obesity cases, with over 30% of young adults affected.
In light of these alarming trends, it is essential to recognize businesses that are actively working to address these issues. Companies promoting healthy lifestyles, such as fitness centers, healthy food production, and fitness training, play a key role. One such business is Yanaya, a healthy lifestyle brand.
Yanaya: A Healthy Lifestyle
Founded in July 2019 by Nyaradzo Dhliwayo Moyo, Yanaya was established with the mission of providing wholesome, plant-based meals to promote healthier living. Now in its fifth year of operation, Yanaya has grown to encompass eight stores across Zimbabwe. The brand’s slogan, “It will end in health,” reflects its dedication to mental and physical well-being, one individual at a time.
Overview and Background of Yanaya
Under the leadership of Nyaradzo Moyo, an acclaimed restaurateur, award-winning creative designer, photographer, and entrepreneur, Yanaya has become known as Zimbabwe’s “first healthy food bar chain.” Nyaradzo often shares how the idea for the business began as a dream—a vision fueled by hard work, determination, and the support of her spouse.
“It all started as a dream, an idea, a concept. We believed in things that were not yet seen. A dream to inspire a generation of healthy lifestyles, to redefine what it means to eat healthy and live well. A few years later, we are opening our 8th store,” she reflects.
Today, Yanaya offers a wide range of products, including salads, juices, dairy products like yogurt and milk, and healthy beverages such as shakes and smoothies. Yanaya’s products are also sold in prominent supermarkets, including Food Lovers Market. The restaurants serve wholesome meals at locations such as Joina City, Avondale, and the Avenues in Harare. Yanaya has won numerous awards and is the first startup in Zimbabwe to offer clinically approved meals tailored to people with various health conditions.
In addition to the restaurant chain, Nyaradzo has expanded Yanaya’s services through Wamambo Space Creatives, which now accepts event gigs, including weddings and funerals, offering décor and catering services. The brand’s growth has mirrored the rising demand for healthier lifestyles, with Yanaya now employing over 100 people, the majority of whom are women, reflecting Nyaradzo’s commitment to female empowerment.
Background of Nyaradzo Dhliwayo Moyo
Nyaradzo Moyo is a shining example of a Zimbabwean woman who has overcome significant challenges to achieve success in all aspects of her life. Growing up in a family of four in Marondera, she often describes herself as a “small-town girl.” Unlike many of her peers who aspired to traditional professions such as doctors or engineers, Nyaradzo always dreamed of forging her own path.
Nyaradzo pursued her tertiary education at the prestigious Stellenbosch University in South Africa, earning a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design and Photography. She was raised in a strong Christian home, where her mother instilled disciplined Christian values, shaping her perspective on hard work and excellence.
“I grew up in a very strong Christian home. We are Adventists, and growing up, we were not allowed to watch TV. My mother was very strict about her Christian values. She believed that whatever you do, you must do it wholeheartedly. I was raised with the mindset that I must excel in everything I do,” she explained on Kenneth Sharpe’s Phoenix podcast.
Currently married to Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pastor and chaplain Brian Moyo, Nyaradzo describes their union as a “divine hook-up.” She attributes much of her success to her parents, the strong Christian upbringing she received, and the unwavering support of her spouse and family.
“My parents didn’t give me the freedoms that many of my peers had. I grew up with a strong Christian foundation, which shaped my work ethic and drive,” she said.
Achievements
Nyaradzo Moyo, affectionately known as “Nyari,” has continuously broken barriers and defied stereotypes associated with women in both the corporate and entrepreneurial world. Her achievements have been recognized through multiple awards, both for Yanaya and personally. The most recent recognition is the “Young Director of the Year 2024” award from the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe, among many others.
However, like many businesses, Yanaya faced significant challenges in its early stages, including the lack of adequate systems and strategic support. Yet, Nyaradzo’s faith and resilience have helped her overcome these hurdles. Yanaya continues to grow, launching new products and services such as kiddies lunchbox deliveries, and introducing innovation to Zimbabwe’s food industry.
