Ashley Gwatida

Background information

Ashley Gwatida, aged 32, trained with Young Africa Zimbabwe (YAZ) in 2021 under the Mobile Training Model. She is a member of the Fantastic ISAL (Internal Savings and Lending) group in Mashava. Operating at a salon in the Balmain Complex, Mashava, Masvingo Province, she is a single mother with one child. Previously, she struggled with the responsibilities of single motherhood without a steady income and was unable to adequately provide for her family.

“Skills2Live brought life to me. I never thought I would make it as a single mother. Here I am now, a proud young woman running my own business and earning a meaningful income.”

Her journey

After receiving ISAL training from YAZ, Ashley and her colleagues formed an ISAL group and used the proceeds to buy hairdressing equipment to launch their own business. After three months, they received additional support from Young Africa in the form of start-up kits, which included hairdryers and tong sets. This boosted the group’s business, allowing them to generate approximately $300 USD monthly. Later on, the other group members left, and Ashley continued to use the equipment independently as the others had moved on from ISAL.

She now runs her hairdressing business at Balmain Business Centre in Mashava, a former mining town in Masvingo. Through YAZ’s life skills training, she developed decision-making abilities, confidence, and self-esteem, particularly regarding her sexual and reproductive health. As a single mother, she began to believe in herself and has since built a loyal client base in the area.

The story of change

In addition to the original salon, Ashley recently opened another salon at Great Zimbabwe University, demonstrating her drive for business diversification and expansion. However, she later closed it due to high rental costs. Despite this setback, she continues to serve a niche market of university clients who visit her at the Balmain Business Centre. On average, Ashley earns between $450 and $500 USD monthly through hairdressing services.

She has also diversified her income by selling hair products such as braids, hair food, and other items at her salon. Above all, she is now able to pay her child’s school fees and has even purchased a car. She feels confident, empowered, and optimistic about her future.