Meet Shamiso Sosera a 42-year-old entrepreneur from Kushinga Self-Help Group (SHG) in Ward 16, Chikomba District. She is a mother of four children who has taken on the role of the primary breadwinner for her family. Her journey towards entrepreneurship took a significant turn when she became a member of a SHG supported by Hand in Hand Zimbabwe through the Community Upliftment Project (CUP) on June 23, 2023.

Before joining Hand in Hand Zimbabwe, Shamiso faced numerous challenges operating her butchery in Nharira Business centre. She was primarily selling beef in small quantities and experienced losses, which resulted in low earnings and limited business growth. The lack of diversification in her product offerings restricted her ability to attract more customers and maximize profits.

Upon joining the CUP, Shamiso received comprehensive business training that equipped her with essential skills and knowledge necessary for running a successful enterprise. The training included aspects such as financial management, marketing strategies, customer service, and inventory management. The support from Hand in Hand not only provided her with practical skills but also instilled confidence in her entrepreneurial abilities.

With the knowledge gained from the training program, Shamiso expanded her product line significantly. She began to diversify beyond just beef by adding pork, sausages, chicken, trotters, and mincemeat to her offerings. This strategic move allowed her to cater to a broader customer base and meet varying consumer preferences. Additionally, she has integrated a broiler enterprise into her business model. By supplying chicken cuts directly from her slaughtered broilers at the butchery, she has eliminated the struggles associated with finding markets for mature broilers.

Her sales figures have seen remarkable improvement; she sells  beef daily at USD 3.50 per kilogram. She is making  a profit of $500 from a beast per month and $80 for chicken cuts and other meats per month.

This financial success not only enhances her family’s living standards but also contributes positively to the local economy by providing employment opportunities and supporting local suppliers.

“I am so grateful for the support that ,l received from Hand in Hand Zimbabwe. I can confidently say that am happy that my business is thriving compared to previously .As a women ,l feel empowered by this project. Now l can keep records and manage my sales efficiently’ , said Shamiso.

“Through my involvement with Hand in Hand for business skills training, am now inspiring others to pursue entrepreneurship and am happy ,she said”.

With the income generated from her enterprise, Shamiso can meet her household needs and is motivated to expand her business. She envisions owning a building that houses both a grocery shop and a butchery, aiming to create job opportunities for others in her community. Her proactive approach includes investing in a generator to mitigate losses caused by power cuts, showcasing her commitment to sustaining her business.

Shamiso advocates for women’s empowerment and challenges traditional gender roles regarding financial responsibilities. She believes that women should aspire to be self-sufficient and successful, encouraging them to think big and achieve prosperity.

Shamiso Sosera’s story exemplifies how targeted training and support can transform an individual’s business prospects. Through the initiatives offered by Hand in Hand Zimbabwe’s Community Upliftment Project, Shamiso has successfully turned around her butchery operations into a profitable venture that supports both her family and community.