Tutsirai Jenje, Passionate Creative at Artworks Ad
Jul 27, 2021
Tell us about how you got started.
I have always had a passion for art and growing ideas, and through the world of graphic design, I found a way to express myself creatively while bringing solutions to various markets. With over 12 years in the advertising and marketing industry, I saw the power of communication and the joy that comes from bringing someone’s ideas to life. The birth of all my businesses came from a place of identifying problems. When I noticed my clients always seemed to have the same challenges, I decided to set up brand building businesses that would be the solution to those problems. This background, of being a graphic designer and brand builder, gave me the understanding to also build various brands of my own in different sectors. It has been a journey of self-discovery and self-searching.
What makes your company unique?
My company is extremely aligned to my ideal clients. I not only tailor make user friendly services that allow them to learn how to build a brand from scratch, but I have also set in place different systems that allow me to hand hold each client from point A to point B. When my clients are done with me, they will have a full and clear understanding of how to confidently step out in their markets, with beautifully designed graphics and targeted messaging that catches the attention of their ideal clients.
No business is without setbacks, can you tell us about a time when you faced a significant setback and how you recovered from it?
This is such a great question! I will be honest with you the biggest setback I have ever had in business is my mindset. I struggled for such a long time from a feeling of inferiority, perfectionism and consistently wanting to be proved first before I would make a move. I tell you that model will make you miss out on so many opportunities, I know I did. I started working at 19, as a junior graphic designer and being in an industry that was male dominated, I found myself always over working trying to get affirmation. I put pressure on myself mentally to live up to some form of perfect super woman prototype, which doesn’t exists by the way! I then carried that over to when I started my own business and as a result I would always face burn out and get sick. I had to decide to stop looking for affirmation from people but begin to affirm myself from within. When I did this, I noticed that my confidence and creativity and client portfolio went to the next level!
How do you define success and to what do you attribute your success?
For me success is finding yourself, discovering your full potential and abilities. When you live out those hopes, dreams and goals that are really bigger than you! When you get to fully understand who you are and why you are here. And finally, for you to have meaningful relationships around you to enjoy this life with.
What's next for your business, what will it look like in 5 years?
Automated! I would love to have a fully automated business that is a digital giant in the African continent, that serves my clients with flawless efficiency. The whole word is undergoing a digital transformation and I would love for my company to bring innovative solutions that will bring job creation, bring more ideas to life and progress Africa
What do you think the future holds for Africa-focused entrepreneurs and advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
Africa has been said to be the youngest continent that there is currently worldwide. That being sed, I do believe that Africa has its place in the future! What I would say to Africa- Focused Entrepreneurs is… Maintain relevance! Great legacy brands, companies, products or services, are built on a strong foundation that keeps its ideal clients as the center of it all. Evolve with your market, don’t be a monument.
Owning a business while balancing a personal life can be challenging; how do you take care of yourself?
Self-care is very intentional. If you don’t do it for yourself no one else will. Find time to be spiritually centered, eat healthy, exercise, connect with the people you love, rest, explore and practice personal development. If you don’t intentionally plan and schedule to do this, it will never happen.
What is your favorite quote or mantra? What keeps you going?
“You can succeed best and quickest by helping others succeed". What keeps me going is my desire to leave a legacy for my children and impact lives in the process
What is your favorite app or a business tool that you can't live without
YouCanBookMe my client call booking scheduler and calendar. Very handy!