How I found my calling and turned it into a business
Since I was 4 years old, I knew that my job here on earth was to help children. One of my first memories is of carrying a baby on my back... that was when I still lived in Zimbabwe. I wasn't much older than the child I was carrying!
But I got distracted along the way. I went down the academic path and studied Chemistry. Until my PhD advisor spoke with me about my zone of genius. He could clearly see what I couldn't at the time... and recommended I should consider working with people.
Right away, I knew he was right!
So I retrained as a Social Worker and Psychotherapist.
That time taught met what it feels like to be off track... and how it feels to align with one's purpose.
As soon as I could, I started running a therapy group for teenage girls who had been sexually abused. This was my first social enterprise, 1987. That's 31 years ago. Way before social enterprise was 'fashionable'.
I then went on to set up the very first independently run therapeutic home for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, in July 1992. Those 6 children had been abused, neglected, enslaved... they suffered from considerable emotional damage. That children's home provided a space of healing that did not exist as part of the 'mainstream' care sector.
Over time, my journey led me to found Banya Family Placement Agency and Vana Trust — and help over 4,000 vulnerable children, both in Zimbabwe and in the UK.
During the last 30+ years, I have launched and built several successful multi-million pound social enterprises in the UK, which have generated a cumulative £130 Million turnover. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with other social entrepreneurs to set up new ventures together and impact thousands of change-makers world-wide. Please visit my Business page to see an overview of all of my current ventures.
Mentoring
After meeting many social entrepreneurs and change-makers all over the world, I realised those of us who want to make a huge social impact go through similar steps, struggles and challenges.
I became a mentor for other social entrepreneurs ___ years ago, and I created the Walk With Me programme to guide social entrepreneurs through the founding and growing of a successful and profitable social enterprise.
A little about me
I live in the UK and Zimbabwe
I have three children and amazing grandchildren
I adore my dog, Drake
My favourite hobbies are walking & knitting
I love spending time in my greenhouse
I am fluent in English and Shona languages
My favourite place in the world is the Victoria Falls
Awards
EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF BLACK WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS, 1998
Business Owner Award for UK
LAMBETH’S, 2009
Best Social Enterprise of the Year
SUE RYDER FOUNDATION, 2010
Business Woman of the Year
ZIMBABWE ACHIEVERS AWARDS, 2012
Business & Community Award
WOMEN OF PURPOSE AWARDS, 2016
Purpose Excellence Role Model
GREAT BRITISH EXPO AWARDS, 2022
Lifetime Achievement Award
Business of the Year Award for Banya