The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
WHEN she refused to rewrite some subjects she had failed at Ordinary Level, most people thought that nothing good would come from her.
Her thoughts, talent and focus were on business.
She was not determined to work for someone else, but to be her own boss.
Her mother, Mrs Sarah Munemo, was among the few people who gave her a shoulder to lean on when she decided to venture into buying and selling of various goods.
The journey to stardom started on a fine note as her mother, despite being a clerk at Bulawayo’s Milton Boys’ High School, was already a part time business woman.
She took notes on how to run a successful business from the most important woman in her life.
Resilience, dedication and perseverance have motivated her success.
This is the story of the director of one of Zimbabwe’s leading events and furniture companies —Lulu’s Events Management and JAR Furnitures — Mrs Rudo Shoko.
The company, which has branches in Masvingo, Zvishavane and Mutare, specialises in events management.
It also manufactures and sells home and office furniture.
Among her many accolades, the 31-year-old mother of five was voted the 2020 event planner of the year after competing with over 12 contestants from across the globe at the Young Leaders Summit in India.
She also won the 2020 Megafest (gold winner) Masvingo Province and national entrepreneur of the year.
Proweb Foundation also honoured her with a certificate for outstanding entrepreneurship.
Upon opening a branch in Mutare in October 2021 and exuding some potential in business leadership, she was voted second runner-up in the best emerging business of the year category.
Mrs Shoko also came out tops at Ndine Thaza Entrepreneurs which was a reality television game show in which small business owners promoted their businesses and competed for a prize.
In an interview with The Manica Post this week, Mrs Shoko said she is inspired by money.
“I am inspired by money, as well as what it can and cannot do. I am inspired by the mere fact that I have added value to the community by creating employment. Leaving behind a lasting legacy also inspires me to achieve more.
“As for personalities that inspire me, talk of business woman, Ms Shanna Mazorodze; preacher, Mr Richard Branson and a colleague in the furniture business, Mr Tinashe Mutarisi. Their journey to stardom is inspiring and amazing.
“It is also a privilege to have a loving husband and business partner who is always there to support you,” she said.
In her events planning activities, Mrs Shoko has managed to host personalities such as Mai Chisamba, Winky D, Thomas Mapfumo, Jah Prayzah and the late Oliver Mtukudzi.
“My journey to where I have reached now include perseverance. It is a male dominated business and it has not been easy. I ventured into business when I was around 18 by selling electrical appliances with the help of my mother who was a part time businesswoman.
“She encouraged me to work for myself and that hard work pays. It has not been an easy road as l faced several challenges in the initial stages of establishing the business.
“In this line of business, we travel a lot and consequently l am always away from the family. That is a huge challenge.
“As youths, we are also in need of capital and more policies that will push young entrepreneurs into the global space. As female business people in a male dominated spaces, the noise one has to make to be heard should be very loud,” she declared.
Born in Bulawayo, Mrs Shoko is a proud mother of five — including twins and an adopted child.
She said her family motivates her to achieve more.
She is now spreading her business tentacles to tourism as she is currently constructing an events venue and lodges in Masvingo.
She also intends to expand the furniture wing to other cities.
Mrs Shoko urged aspiring business women to be well versed with the latest trends in the business sector to remain relevant.
“My advice is as a business woman, it is critical to keep up to date with trends on whatever products or services you offer because you need to stay relevant.
“Don’t be afraid to lose money through branding and marketing as well as attending workshops and seminars. You learn and grow more as you interact with people from different networks.
“Also try as much as possible to be disciplined. The money is never yours, it is for the business to be sustainable and grow. Every cent counts,” she added.
