Tariro

Do ‘Real’ Designers Use Canva?

First of all, I am not a “real” designer. Now, that’s out of the way. Let’s dive into the (tiring) never-ending debate in tech and design circles about whether or not designing in Canva should be considered “real” graphic design. Recently, I’ve seen a number of experienced designers give the platform some bad rap, often claiming that you can’t truly call yourself a serious designer if you’re using Canva. In case you’re wondering what Canva is, in short, it’s graphic design for dummies. OK, that might not sound kind (even though there is a book with the title now), but I hope you get the drift. Canva is a free-to-use online tool designed to help users create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos, and more. With its user-friendly interface, pre-made templates, and drag-and-drop functionality, Canva has earned its spot as a go-to platform for many beginners and non-designers wanting to tackle some graphic design project. Think flyers for a cake sale, community event or banners for social media pages. Canva’s versatility, simplicity, and accessibility have allowed it to gain popularity, especially with the explosion of social media content creation over the past decade. With nearly 200 million users now and a $2 billion revenue realisation in 2023, Canva has not just proved to be useful, but also profitable as many more users (including me) are willing to pay to access their premium features. Personally, I discovered Canva in 2015 and haven’t looked back since. It’s one tool, apart from my domain and web hosting, I have (almost) religiously paid for since 2020. At the time when I started using it some 9 years ago, I even created a short video tutorial on my (old) YouTube channel. I said “Old” OK? So as you watch it, just remember that Canva has evolved so much since – and so have I. I love it for both us. And who knows, I might just make a return to YouTube. Anyway, prior to using Canva, I remember trying to learn Photoshop and it just wasn’t my ministry and calling. I also tried to use another free open source Photoshop alternative called Gimp and it used to give me constant headaches as I would end up spending more time figuring out the tool because it was so complicated and not necessarily designing anything. Why Has Canva Gained Such Popularity? I think my simple answer to this would be: It really is that easy to use! It has empowered many creatives from small business owners to social media managers to bloggers like me. Many people can now achieve professional-looking results without needing a course in design or needing to master any complex software. Canva has democratised design, allowing anyone with an internet connection to put together simple, polished visuals in minutes. From beautifully designed Instagram posts to compelling presentations, the platform offers an impressive range of templates, design elements and stock assets to choose from. People are even designing e-books using Canva and some are making good money from selling these digital products. If you see me selling an e-book here (yes, it’s coming), don’t even bother asking, I would have designed it in Canva. For the average user (I think I fall in this category), Canva is revolutionary. For me it has simplified the design process and given me the confidence to experiment with some of my creative ideas. And in an age where content creation and branding are essential for personal and business success, Canva fills a major need. It saves time, eliminates the learning curve associated with traditional graphic design tools, and, most importantly, when done right, it offers high-quality results. Earlier this year I wanted to see how some t-shirt design I had done would come out and guess where I went? It’s as if I can just imagine something now and Canva will do it. But here’s where the debate really heats up: Can a designer truly call themselves a “professional” if they’re using Canva? Or is the platform a shortcut to a more legitimate, well-rounded skill set? The Divide: Canva vs. Photoshop and The Others When we talk about traditional graphic design tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, the contrast couldn’t be clearer. These programs are designed for professional, high-level design work, and they come with steep learning curves that can take years to master. They’re equipped with a wide range of advanced features that allow designers to craft highly customised designs which include photo manipulation, vector illustrations, and fully custom typography. These tools are designed for people who know exactly what they’re doing, and the results reflect the expertise and time invested in creating them. I have so much respect for graphic designers out there who have mastered any of these tools especially because I have been there, I have tried learning them and the only thing I came out with was an incredibly dizzy head. So, where does that leave Canva? Canva, by its very nature, is a simplified version of design. By doing away with much of the complexity and giving users pre-built templates and easy-to-use features, it has eliminated the need for the detailed customisation that traditional design software requires. For example, you won’t find the same degree of control over colours, typography, or image manipulation in Canva that you can achieve in Photoshop. Canva is built for speed, convenience, and efficiency – not for crafting complex, bespoke visual masterpieces. So does that mean that designers who use Canva aren’t “real” designers? Absolutely not. The Case for Canva in the age of Modern Design While it’s true that Canva lacks the flexibility and depth of traditional tools, it’s important to recognise that the world of design has changed. With the rise of social media and digital content marketing, speed and convenience have become just as important as high-level technical skills. When I think about the time I used to spend just trying to figure out Photoshop or Gimp back when I was starting out

Do ‘Real’ Designers Use Canva? Read More »

Beyond the Laptop on the Beach

4 Comments / Remote Work / Tariro

When I first imagined the idea of working remotely back in August 2013, one of my biggest motivators was the chance to travel. Being tied to my desk felt like I was serving time in a prison. When I did take time off, those trips were always too short and packed with anxiety thinking, “This will end too soon.” I envisioned a life where I didn’t have to choose between vacation and work, where I could do both. It didn’t help that every remote work photo, post, or article I encountered usually featured someone with their laptop by the beach. I’ll dive into how misleading that can be later. Tsk tsk. Back then, every time I talked about working remotely, I made sure to emphasise my desire for the flexibility to travel (first and foremost) and spend time with my family. I’m grateful that I was able to realise this without worrying about whether I could make it back in time for work. While I wouldn’t call myself a travel junkie, I ceased the opportunities to explore that came my way without work being a barrier. The only real questions became: Is there internet connectivity? Do I have the funds to get there? So, yes I have worked in airports, and whilst at holiday resorts. I have never opened my laptop by the beach though 🤭 Fast forward to after I had my son, travel quickly faded as my main motivation for wanting to work remotely. The flexibility to show up for him whenever he needed me became my top priority. I love being able to flexibly plan out certain parts of my day (especially mornings) and take meetings from anywhere, without anyone questioning why I’m not sitting at my desk. Not having to drive through the horrendous traffic in Harare is another huge perk. I absolutely loathe sitting in traffic for long stretches. If you were to ask me today what my number one reason for wanting to work remotely is, I would definitely tell you it’s the flexibility it provides – especially around the aspects of my life that matter most: my family, my social life (my friends would probably laugh at this because, yeah😅), hobbies like writing this blog, and attending mid-week church meetings or other social events. If you asked me whether the flexibility to travel is still a perk, I’d probably say yes, though it’s no longer a priority for me. I don’t know if it’s because I discovered that traveling with a toddler is no walk in the park – especially with a toddler on the spectrum! The planning and emotional preparation involved is no small feat. In my 20s, when it was just me (single like a pringle😂) and living with my parents, travel was all I could think about. My travel bucket list was (and still is) long. There were only two rules: God willing AND funds permitting! I cherish those experiences I managed to have, and I know I’ll still want to travel from time to time. It’s just not my top priority right now. My son’s stability has become my top reason. It’s crucial to me that he feels comfortable, which means minimising disruptions to his routine and ultimately, our lives. Would he want to travel? I think so. The last time we were on a plane together, he pleasantly surprised me with his behaviour and, I could tell he really enjoyed that ride. I can’t say the same for when we landed, though. The sprinting I had to do at the airport before I got his stroller was amusing to everyone but me! Most of the remote work photos we see online feature someone on a beach or in a café with their laptop and latte, (often seemingly) thriving in that location-independent lifestyle. Many also showcase passport and boarding pass shots with captions like “catching flights, not feelings.” Let’s be real: there’s a level of pressure that such content creates, especially in today’s social media age of influencers and influencees (Yeah, just made that up!). I’ve experienced both sides – being pressured and being the one applying that pressure (intentionally or not). Now, if you’re considering a pivot to remote work and feeling “pressure” from online content suggesting you must travel and see the world, I’m here to tell you to relax. You don’t know if what’s portrayed in those photos was funded by remote work income. You might be comparing your experiences to trips paid for by someone else – a spouse, sibling, parent or friend. Personally, I’ve been on trips that were partly or fully funded by family or friends. Bless them all! It would be misleading for me to claim that every passport stamp I’ve collected came solely from my hard-earned remote work income. So, try to avoid the temptation to chase a lifestyle because of someone else’s highlight reel. Want something and spend money on it because it is meaningful and purposeful to you. Sit down with yourself and think about what truly matters to you in this season of your life. Be honest about what brings you authentic peace and joy. And if it’s travel, it’s OK. If it’s so that you can volunteer in your local area when you need to, it’s OK. If it’s so that you can take 1-hour long naps during your lunch breaks, it’s OK. If it’s so that you can spend the day in comfy clothes that feel like a hug, it’s absolutely OK too! It’s also OK for your reasons to change from time to time. Sometimes the seasons of life will require that we adapt accordingly. Just remember, your authentic reason for wanting to work remotely will carry you through the highs and lows of the journey. Beyond potential earnings, what else matters? Because, let’s be honest, sometimes money won’t come, sometimes money will come but won’t be enough, sometimes you’ll be let go, and you don’t want to fall apart and quit too soon

Beyond the Laptop on the Beach Read More »

What If? Imagining Life Without Fear

6 Comments / Life / Tariro

Sometime last week, I put this title in my drafts because it is something that kept coming to my mind. How many times do you decide you want to do something and then chicken out because you’re afraid of the outcome? How many times have you seen someone pursue an idea you once had and thought, “That’s exactly what I wanted to do when I thought about this idea in 2016!”? The aftermath often becomes a spiralling cycle of shoulda-woulda-couldas. For me, this has happened countless times. I have an idea, but fear holds me back. I start doubting its potential: Maybe this idea is only good in my head. Maybe it will fail to take off. Maybe my family might think I’m crazy. Maybe I won’t be as good as [insert competition]. I find ways to disqualify myself from the game before even playing, and I know I’m not alone in this. Fear is “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” In the case of my ideas, which aren’t in any way dangerous or harmful, I’m really trying to avoid the potential pain (a.k.a. heartbreak) that comes from something not working out. Nobody likes to feel unpleasant emotions. This got me thinking: what exactly is the issue? Where does this threat come from? Why do some people boldly take action while others leave dreams as dreams? It’s widely accepted that positive outcomes are not always guaranteed. I concluded that my desire for control, over the outcome rather than the ideation and execution of an idea, plays a significant role in my hesitation. Imagine this: If we could control the outcome, the number of ideas brought to life would skyrocket. For example, if I wanted to set up a hair salon in my rural village in Guruve, and I could guarantee a return on investment of at least 15%, I would dive in with full confidence. Having that guarantee provides a sense of control over the outcome, right? But is there really a guarantee? There isn’t. Until an idea goes to market, it’s impossible to ensure any outcome. Take the aviation industry: to predict that a journey from Harare to Johannesburg could take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, there was a pioneer who first launched that flight years ago. They didn’t just put the plane in the sky; they researched, planned, and took calculated risks. I can’t just go to Guruve Centre and open a hair salon. I need to understand the potential market demographic, average disposable incomes of men and women in the area, present competition and understand if this is something that the community would want. Factors like religion and social norms could even influence how women would decide around this. But even with all this information, the only way I can know how they would receive the new service in the area is if I launch it and give them an opportunity to try it out. We didn’t know we needed an iPod until Apple launched one in 2001. Imagine if we had been stuck with those (now seemingly ridiculous) Sony Walkmans? Remember my favourite quote from I-Don’t-Know-Where which I last shared in my previous post? You don’t know what we don’t know. Imagine if Steve Jobs had been afraid? Imagine if Mark Zuckerberg had refused to talk to investors to grow Facebook? Imagine if he would have just pressed Ctrl + A + Delete on his code because he was afraid he wouldn’t succeed? So, now, when I think of this again and ask myself, what would I do if I wasn’t afraid? My answer: I would take those leaps. I would let go of my desire to want to control outcomes 100%. I would embrace uncertainty even when it had the potential to ignite unpleasant emotions within me. I would allow myself to experiment and learn from my failures. I would reach out to others with similar dreams and collaborate. I would support others on a similar journey whist also learning from them. Most importantly, I would accept that fear is a natural part of growth, not a barrier. The next time fear whispers doubts in my ear, I’ll remind myself that the greatest stories often come from taking risks. Instead of letting fear dictate my decisions, I’ll challenge myself to act. Because what if the outcomes could lead to amazing journeys? What if, instead of “what if I fail?” the question becomes “what if I soar?” There is a motivational speaker and coach I worked with many years ago who always used to say that some of you are not even afraid of failure; that you are actually afraid of the possibility of things working out. “Ko zvikaita?” she would say (Translation: What if it works out?). Seriously, after putting in all the work you need to, what if it works out? What if you succeed? I believe that’s a narrative worth pursuing. Note to self: Remember the key “word”: Put in the work that’s required of you. Feel the fear and do it anyway!

What If? Imagining Life Without Fear Read More »

The Power of Boldly and Courageously Showing Up

12 Comments / Life, Remote Work / Tariro

Last weekend I had the opportunity to speak at an event where I was sharing on my journey working remotely and insights on landing remote work opportunities. But I almost didn’t make it there. The event was in town at one of the tallest buildings in the heart of Harare. As luck would have it, when I got to the building reception to get to the elevator, the security guard was quick to tell me that I needed to take the stairs as the elevator had malfunctioned. There was one problem. Just one. The event was on the 13th floor! I remember thinking: It’s not too late to call and say I have fallen sick 🙈 Because who was going to climb 13 flights of stairs for me? 😂 But I couldn’t do that. The host, in ways she possibly cannot comprehend and value, showed up for me more than once. Deep down, I really wanted to do this for her – even if it meant climbing one of the Kilimanjaros of the Harare jungle. So I soldiered on to the top texting my friends in between to tell them how much I was suffering, and resting after every 2 to 3 steps along the way. I remember thinking again: This is why I prefer to work remotely. Imagine coming to work and the elevators have packed and you have to climb 20 floors up to get to your office? Nah, you can miss me with that fam! Because by the time I get to the 20th floor, I’m ready to go back home 😒 As I was climbing the stairs, I could also hear voices of others who were higher up panting, giggling and complaining too. I actually envied them because I thought, at least they were closer to the destination. Eventually, I finally got to the 13th floor! The joy of seeing the other attendees in the room who had also taken the same path as we laughed at each other for the brutal climb we had just experienced – surprisingly energising. I quickly forgot about the pain of that climb as I tried to get to know other attendees who were in the room whilst also catching my breath and drinking some water. As the event kicked off, every single minute I spent thereafter made every single step I had taken to get there worth it. I truly believe in this statement: We don’t know what we don’t know 🤷‍♀️. I absolutely enjoyed the insights and stories shared by my fellow guest speakers and I wouldn’t have expected to leave with the kind of knowledge I left with. The thing is, sometimes as we go about our lives, and I will use my country as an example, it’s easy to rest and find comfort on the “Zimbabwe is so hard” narrative. I am guilty of always complaining about how things sometimes really get so crazy here and Zimbabweans just never catch a break. The same way I was complaining as i was climbing those stairs to get to the event. The truth is, things do get hard here, sometimes in the most unbelievable ways, but at the end of the day, how do some people find the tenacity to just keep going? Right? Every single story I got to hear from fellow guest speakers was a reminder of how we need to allow ourselves to not only dream, but to show up for our dreams – boldly and courageously – even through the challenging times. It’s easy to be intimidated by other people who try to dampen our ambitions and aspirations. I believe it’s even easier to be intimidated by your presented circumstances. Thinking about your next meal or your next ZESA electricity token can cloud your judgment and make your vision seemingly impossible to achieve. In my case, 13 flights of stairs almost prevented me from showing up to an event I had been looking forward to for nearly a month. One of the speakers even spoke on this as well because, realising the journey she had to take with the stairs, she ended up having to change from her high heels into some flat strap shoes which were more appropriate for the climb. And indeed she also made it to the top panting but filled with energy to still deliver a powerful presentation. Since leaving this event, I have been thinking about how I am showing up for the big assignments and for the small ones. Am I showing up half heartedly ready to give up at the slightest inconvenience? Am I showing up with bravery for those assignments where I don’t even know where to begin getting started with them or am I lamenting at how impossible it’s going to be because of the million reasons I have made up in my head that are mostly not true? In the end, what I took away from that experience (and what I hope you can too) is the undeniable power of showing up boldly and courageously. Life will throw obstacles our way, whether they’re 13 flights of stairs or the daily challenges we face in our own lives. But it’s in those moments of struggle that we discover our true strength especially as we remember why we do what we do. Each step, no matter how painful, brings us closer to our goals and opens doors to opportunities we never anticipated. Just don’t remain in the same place. So the next time you’re faced with a daunting climb, whether literal or metaphorical, remember that every step counts. Embrace the discomfort, lean into the journey (I’m currently listening to the Lean In audiobook by the way😉), and show up for yourself and your dreams. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about who you become along the way. Let’s keep pushing forward, showing up with courage, and turning our dreams into reality. Remember to celebrate with those

The Power of Boldly and Courageously Showing Up Read More »

I went to London – what a delightful surprise!

2 Comments / Remote Work / Tariro

On this day, last year, I was in London for our flagship event, the STRETCH Conference. We have been hosting it every year during Black History Month in the UK for the past 8 years. I had gone into 2023 really wanting to meet up in person with some of my colleagues who I had been working with remotely for over 2 years at this point. As much as I was excited, I (honestly) did not expect to like London PLUS my anxiety was at an all time high. Why? Was it my first time on a plane? No. Was it my first time travelling to a new place alone? No. Was it my first time travelling to a faraway place and leaving my son? Yes! Maybe THAT was the problem! I also think it was the fact that every time I have travelled to anywhere, I have stayed with friends or family who I have known all my life. But here I was going to be meeting with my colleagues in person for the first time and I did not know what to expect. It made me a bit uneasy. I work 100% remotely and don’t really get to meet people in person for anything in professional settings. It has gotten worse since I had my son because it now almost seems like my life just revolves around being in front of my laptop, running errands, school run, visiting my mum and doing church during the weekends. Let me just say being a professional hermit is not the desired state (for me) and I’m working on improving in this area. Anyway, straight off the bat I’m going to tell you though, London pleasantly surprised me. I loved my experience there last October and I don’t know whether it was London itself, the people I got to experience it with, our host or all of the above. Being part of the team on the ground that was planning and executing the STRETCH Conference event was such an honour. I enjoyed every minute of it! We met our other former colleagues and friends and having them carve out time to travel and catch up over brunches and lunches was just wholesome. By the way, the London food scene is GREAT! I had the best jollof rice meal to date and even as I type this right now, I remember how it was being prepared and the aroma. My goodness! I usually don’t go crazy over food when I travel but listen, even the Nando’s there hits different! Nando’s Zimbabwe is just annoying me at this point – I don’t even eat it anymore. The public transit system in London? 10/10! I love it so much because it makes it so easy for visitors to move around. I don’t like having to 100% depend on locals or Uber for mobility when I travel. This may sound weird but it actually makes me homesick. This reminds me of something my dad told me when I was getting on a plane for the first time some 10+ years ago. I was going to Dubai to visit my sister. I don’t know whether he could tell I was anxious but he said, “As long as you can read, you’re going to be fine”. And that’s been my approach to traveling to new places since. As long as it is written in English, I will figure it out. But even though I can read well I did have moments in London of running after trains and missing them by half a second or worse, just ending up on the wrong platform. Exhilarating if you ask me! 😅 Now to add icing to my first ever London experience, I had close family fly and drive in from different parts of the UK to see me just for a few hours. I mean, what do you do with that kind of love and showing up whilst in a new city? Even typing this makes me miss them more. Long distance cousin-ships and sibling-ships suck, honestly! So what is it about meeting in person? You all know I am such an advocate for remote work. I believe the flexibility it affords professionals just adds to a healthy and more balanced working experience. Over the years, I have tried to go remote even with my networking – joining communities that resonate with my professional aspirations. I have connected with amazing people along the way with whom I have exchanged products and services with. I have even partnered with others on projects without ever meeting in person. You can never convince me that remote work is not a viable way to grow teams and support business operations. My experience over the past 10 years says otherwise. But there is something about meeting in person that just brings a whole other dimension to relationships. “Oh you’re so tall!” “My goodness, you are so short!” Those were some of the hilarious first impressions we shared as we saw each other for the first time behind our screens. Whether we like it or not, perceptions are usually created as we hide behind the Teams, Zoom and Google Meet profile pictures and silhouettes. Sometimes we read chats and messages in voices and tones not intended by the sender. Some of y’all even play voicenotes at 1.5x or 2x speed to get through the message quickly which completely alters someone’s tone 😂 I’m laughing because I do that and it gets on my mum’s last nerve. So if you are like me and you fancy working remotely because you prefer to keep to yourself and the idea of socialising sometimes makes you cringe, please allow me to change your mind? Allow the conversations to leave the screens and keyboards. Be open to having them over cups of coffee and rich delicious slices of chocolate cake. (Sidebar: The way I have been thinking about chocolate cake lately is just nuts – my birthday is in 2

I went to London – what a delightful surprise! Read More »

“Life rewards you for the portion you fight for”

6 Comments / Life / Tariro

This quote was shared by a dear friend of mine a few years ago. It was something her sister, who was our age mate, had said to her before she passed on. It spoke to me and touched me deeply. I reached out to my friend and asked if I could create a graphic to share the quote and credit her sister. She agreed, and it has remained on my IG timeline ever since. I often think about this: Life rewards you for the portion you fight for. It forces me to examine my life – what I’m prioritising and the outcomes I’m achieving. We often complain about different aspects of our lives not working out – work, parenting, marriage, friendships, businesses. But what are we really pouring into those areas? A few stories for you around this… After giving birth to my son, I wanted to lose weight. But that was all there was to it: I was simply WANTING IT. Was I exercising? No. Did I adjust my diet? No. Doughnuts and fried chicken were “life”. Yet, I felt sad about being three sizes up from my usual. I wasn’t doing anything to achieve the outcome I desired. Over the past year or two though, I’ve finally managed to shed a few kilos. I try to walk more, and I hope to be running again soon (yes, I used to run 5K “easily”!). My portions have gotten smaller and I try to avoid junk food, though that latter part has been a real fight for my life. I love love love potato crisps! I’ve talked to several friends and acquaintances who are interested in working remotely. When I ask what they’re doing every day to get closer to their first, second, or third client? Crickets. “Build it and they will come”, right? Wrong! Like any business, you have to work every single day to get the attention of your intended clients. If there’s a probability that out of every 100 people you sell yourself to, one will buy, then for the 100 items or service slots you have, you should aim to sell them to at least…10,000! If you only manage to sell to 100, it would be overly ambitious to expect your items to sell out – almost unrealistic. I’ve shared about my son being diagnosed with autism. He is classified as non-verbal, which means he cannot communicate using spoken language. However, as we learn to navigate the challenges of his condition we have found other ways to encourage communication, even without words. Hours upon hours of speech and occupational therapy have also helped him improve things like eye contact and following instructions – both of which are a huge part of communication. Just yesterday, he wanted to go outside with me and came running to the door. I told him, “Go get your shoes,” and he quickly ran to the room to get them. It’s little things like this that remind me how far we’ve come on this journey. Yet, on some days, I do feel like we’re not making any progress. Why, you might ask? Well, individuals on the spectrum thrive on routine, and when they fall off that routine, it’s incredibly hard to get them back on track. These routines encompass their basic life activities like eating, going to school, bathing, brushing teeth, potty training, tidying up, and even sleeping! My son doesn’t even like us changing the direction we take when going to or coming from school. And it’s not like he will say, “Oh mummy, I don’t want to take this route.” He will throw a tantrum loud enough for bystanders to think I’m trying to kidnap him because he can’t use his words. So as I think about where my son is now and where I hope he’ll be in the near future, I realise that I can’t take his routines lightly. I can’t afford regression in the important and basic things. I need to be increasingly intentional about his life. As much as I believe God is ultimately in control, I know I must do what I can while I still can. The rest I surrender to God, because He is my son’s Maker, knows what he needs and gives it to him on time. His will takes precedence over mine. It’s my birthday this month, and I’ve been thinking: if I could be granted one wish, even for just a day, it would be to have a conversation with my son. I’d love to know what he’s thinking, how he’s feeling, what he thinks of me, whether he likes my cooking. I just want to know. When he came into this world just over four years ago, I never imagined that I would be wishing for these things at this point in his life. I recently looked at old videos of him before he turned one; how he could say “thank you” and clap his hands upon instruction. But that all went away. That’s autistic regression for you – a loss of previously acquired skills or a backtracking of developmental milestones. A few months ago, my son was reading more than 50 random words – mostly animals – but today, he doesn’t. I’m honestly not sure whether he can’t anymore or just doesn’t want. Sometimes it feels like someone switched my child and gave me another or pressed RESET on his brain, but that’s regression. For basic life skills regression can set you back weeks or even months! Routines are crucial in ensuring he masters the skills so that he can eventually do them independently. This year, my son finally started feeding himself. Although it’s still incredibly messy on most days, I’m glad he doesn’t just sit there expecting someone else to feed him all the time. Of course, there are days when he doesn’t want to lift a finger, but there’s definitely progress in the right direction. Thank God! Today, I feel like I’m fighting the fight

“Life rewards you for the portion you fight for” Read More »

Revive Your Tech Skills: Useful Tips from Learning Language and Coding

Dear Daddy: Dealing with Grief and Embracing Faith

22 Comments / Life / Tariro

Two years ago today, you cut your last birthday cake. You’d turned 73, and every time I look at the pictures and videos from that day, I am so sad seeing how frail you had become from all the chemo you were having to go through. Yet you remained positive and still tried to live your life as normally as possible – working and all. I remember in that moment, when you were cutting your cake, you said, “Ndinoriona here ini rechi74?” (Translation: Will I get to see my 74th one?) I swallowed a blob of hurt and pain hearing you say that, even though we did encourage and assure you that, of course, you would. But you didn’t. God decided it was time. Exactly 34 days later, He called you Home. Oh, the pain of that day! Even as I type this out, it’s cutting through my chest like a blunt bread knife – rough, painful, lasting. And that blob in my throat is back, wanting me to cry. I don’t even think I realised the full impact of losing you at that moment because of everything that needed to be done—funeral logistics and all the drama associated with that. Then it all passed, and life had to go on. The fact that the real funeral starts when everyone else is gone is not talked about enough. By the time you passed, I was already in therapy dealing with the lemons life had dealt me. So I continued, but to be honest, I didn’t feel better as soon as I would have wanted. Life seemed to be getting worse. On the outside, to someone who I hadn’t told what I was going through, it appeared like I had it all together – a strong woman who had it all figured out. But deep down inside, my world was falling apart. Everything was just crumbling, and more than anything, I needed you. I needed my daddy. I needed your assurance. I needed your encouragement. I needed your protection. I needed you to deal with some people who were getting on my nerves because some people really muster the audacity to deliver nonsense behaviour once one’s parent is gone (I wish I were joking about this one 🙄). But no, daddy, you were gone. In a last-ditch effort to “find you,” there was a day I went to the prayer garden at your parish, and the cry I cried that day. I was tired of a lot of things, and my spirit just needed some peace. That cry made me feel better. So I continued for a few weeks. Every day after dropping off your grandson at school, I would go into that garden – first to cry, then to pray. Eventually, it became just to read the Bible and pray. Some days, I would just sit and talk to myself. I don’t remember at what point I stopped, but I know I was beginning to feel better. I guess this was the beginning of my journey with God and learning to depend on Him wholly and fully. Because prior to that, ah, I depended on you, daddy – the solver of my two million seven hundred thousand five hundred and sixty-two problems. I was telling someone the other day that you took care of so many aspects of our lives that after you left, I was so disoriented that I even struggled to eat right for a bit. You always made sure there was healthy food around and would challenge us to make healthy choices. Dude, I know snitches get stitches, but the amount of cake that was eaten in the house last year? You would have been disgusted, I know. Also, Mum, if you are reading this, I am not saying you don’t give us healthy options. You just don’t make us feel bad for eating cake. Anyway, I digressed. So fast forward to this year – emotionally, I have gotten better. I started finding my way out of the pit of depression and sadness that clouded me after you had gone. The forgiveness journey my therapist got me started on two years ago began putting more pressure on me this year as I came to understand more about what Jesus did for me on the cross and the depth of God’s love for me. And understanding that I always have a Father in Him. He loved me first. I started rebuilding my life (again 😂). They should crown me the Queen of New Beginnings at this point, right? I also accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I got baptised. I forgave. I asked for forgiveness. I went back to school. I started reading more books and watching less TV. I lost a whole 10kg since your funeral! Your girl is out here drinking water, eating more cabbage, minding her own business and making you proud 😂. I’ve started feeling a sense of calm even in the middle of storms. There are so many things that don’t appear “right” in my life at the moment, but since I learned another (more sustainable) way to fight my life’s battles, I have found so much reassurance from the promises of God’s Word. I read my Bible often, and it is so comforting. That said, I still think of you and every memory we shared often. And I miss you every day. We used to drive each other up the wall, but we still had each other. You always had my back in all seasons, even when your support was sometimes served with a side of your unfiltered, Korekore ChiKunda-inspired comments. There are things I go through today that make me wonder what you would say about them. For instance, I know for a fact if you were here, you’d be the one telling me everything I need to know about Autism because you liked to read on EVERYBODY’s behalf and then hook us up with the summary. But

Dear Daddy: Dealing with Grief and Embracing Faith Read More »

Is a Master’s Degree Worth It? Here’s Why I Applied in 2024

2 Comments / Tech / Tariro

Returning to school 14 years after completing my BSc degree is not something I thought would ever happen. My undergraduate experience in the “City of Progress”, Gweru, during the horrendous Zim economic climate of 2006-2009 left a mark. The challenges of that time, from the exorbitant inflation to the harsh realities of student life, made me vow never to set foot in a Zimbabwean university again, especially MSU. Fast forward to 2024, and the unthinkable happened. I not only applied for a Masters programme, I found myself back at the Midlands State University waiting to get into their Masters in Information Systems Management programme. *Hides* I could have picked any other university to be honest (and I kind of tried) but I didn’t even get to apply anywhere else at the end of the day. Most Zim university websites and student portals need some work in this area. We’ll talk about it another day. Anyway, MSU just made the application process easy to go through. Long live Changamire! *wink*wink* and, after all was said and done, I got accepted. The excitement I had seeing my “ACCEPTED” decision shocked even me! Like, “Tariro, this you sis?” Because, remember, I once swore I would never set foot at MSU again. But I guess this is another lesson on ‘Never Say Never.’ I believe humbling lessons are the best. Today, 3 weeks into the programme, I am so glad I made this decision. One of the most exciting things about it all is that the university has evolved so much over the years in terms of how they run their programmes. MSU now has a campus in Harare where I live and I get to attend classes over the weekend which works well for anyone working full time. I also get to attend some classes virtually which is such a relief because as much as the campus in Harare is there, getting into the CBD is not something I enjoy doing. Harare has become too busy for my liking lately. Needless to say, I have had a friend or two wonder (and ask) why I made this decision to enrol for a masters programme. Why now? Here’s Why I Decided to Return to School 1. Deepening My Knowledge My current role in technology, personal and professional development has ignited a passion for understanding how to create engaging and inclusive digital learning experiences. A master’s degree will allow me to delve deeper into research on user behaviour, diversity, equity, and inclusion, ultimately leading to more impactful solutions. I really like that, in the classes I have taken so far, we are not just looking at the theoretical aspects of specific topics like what was typically the case in undergrad, but are actually getting to have engaging discussions around how we are applying certain technologies in industry, the challenges we are facing and improvements we can consider making. 2. Grow My In-Person Network Let me speak for myself on this one. Working remotely tends to get lonely and the isolation of it has made me crave in-person connections (in small doses, of course). Pursuing a master’s degree is offering me the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, collaborate on projects, and potentially form lifelong relationships. I strongly believe networking contributes greatly to the success of professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners. If you have gone through some of my posts, you will know that I am a strong advocate for nurturing strong relationships in the journeys of work and life. 3. Advancing My Career The tech industry is in a state of constant evolution. Having recently re-engaged with this dynamic field, I recognise that despite the extensive knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years, there are still areas where I need further refinement. To position myself effectively as a leader in my area of interest, I am committed to addressing these gaps and enhancing my expertise. 4. Improving My Communication and Presentation Skills For various reasons, public speaking in tech spaces has often been a challenge for me (surprise, surprise!). However, the rigorous coursework of this program, which includes numerous presentations, will provide me a valuable opportunity to build my confidence and improve my communication skills. By proactively volunteering for and engaging in these activities, I aim to transform my apprehensions and fears into strengths, ultimately becoming a more effective and persuasive communicator. 5. Sharpening My Critical Thinking Skills Engaging in thoughtful discussions and tackling challenging problems is a key aspect of graduate studies. I believe these mental challenges will enhance my problem-solving skills both academically and professionally. By considering diverse viewpoints and addressing complex issues, I hope to improve my ability to analyse problems and adapt to new situations. And that sums up my “Why?” Although returning to school has come with its challenges, the potential rewards are significant. I am optimistic about this journey, as it offers promising opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Have you considered a postgraduate programme? What were your reasons for pursuing it (or not)? Let me know in the comments or drop me an email.

Is a Master’s Degree Worth It? Here’s Why I Applied in 2024 Read More »

10 Lessons I Learnt from 10 Years of Remote Work

8 Comments / Remote Work / Tariro

Working remotely for the past decade has been an incredible journey. Through it all, I’ve learned valuable lessons that have shaped my career and my life. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, these insights can help you avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered and make your remote work experience more rewarding. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let me share with you the ten lessons I’ve learned from ten years of working remotely. Trust me, it’s been a wild ride and you are allowed to laugh at me in the comments or via email! Don’t waste money on useless things I have said this before and I will say it again, “Don’t waste your money buying things you do not (or may never) need!”. I made this mistake when I was starting out working remotely. I don’t know whether it was the thrill of “being my own boss” or I was just ignorant of what really mattered. Let me just tell you some of the things I blew some significant amount of cash on. I say, significant, because I only had saved for just about 3 months in the hope that my business would have taken off. First thing I spent some money on was designing of my logo and stationery. Knowing what I know today, and as a tech person, I had no business hiring someone to do these things for me. And it cost me more than US$100! Tsk Tsk. Canva was not a thing at the time (2013) BUT there were a lot of resources I could have used to whip up a logo and even used MS Word or PowerPoint to design the stationery. What did I even need stationery designs for anyway? Sigh. After getting so obsessed with my logo, I thought, I definitely need some business cards! “Design those and put them on my tab Mr. Graphic Designer!” And he did. Had my business cards with a QR code in at the back. I was proud of myself. I printed about 100 of them. “Woo! They will see me!” I thought. The QR Code had to lead somewhere so I also got myself a pretty expensive Domain and Web Hosting service (which I later discarded to a more affordale one after my website got hacked). I don’t think the idea of getting a domain and hosting service was a bad one. I just didn’t choose the service provider wisely and it cost me for a good year! Lastly, and this is the funniest of them all, I bought a printer! I am starting an online business, and I bought a printer. Not a scanner, ladies and gentlemen. A nice laser printer. I was burning through those savings like I had an ATM in my father’s backyard spitting 100s without a pin. Sigh! Get training and coaching early Just before I quit my job at the bank I had started following seasoned Virtual Assistants and Online Business Coaches who were providing some training programmes and opportunities for coaching and mentorship. BUT, I never signed up for any of these. I would only join the free webinars and I joined plenty. The moment they started selling their offers at the end I would leave. My rationale was, why pay for something I can get for free? Why pay for something I can google my way around or look up on YouTube? It took me 3 years of shooting in the dark with no clarity around what I was doing with this online business thing before finally committing to hiring a coach. It didn’t have to take that long. But those are some of the consequences of pride, unfortunately. We lengthen seasons that were supposed to be short because we refuse to humble ourselves to learning under the guidance of someone else. We are not ready to be accountable to another who has walked the path we want to walk, acquired valuable training in it or both. The truth is, you don’t know what you don’t know. The first coach I hired helped me make a serious mindset shift around many aspects of running an online business as a Virtual Assistant. She wasn’t a Virtual Assistant herself but her group coaching program included a Virtual Assistant whose lived experiences also helped me gain clarity and valuable insights around what I wanted to do. This coach helped me find the courage to take bold action in areas I was otherwise hesitant or fearful to take action for one reason or another, like social media or collaborating for podcast features. Since then, I have grown comfortable with investing time and finances in training, coaching and mentoring which have all helped increase my confidence in how I approach working remotely today. Talk about what you do (often!) So let’s rewind a bit here. When I was at the bank, I worked in an IT Office with restricted access and we were locked away from everyone else. We never had to go look for problems. Every day, users and their problems looked for us. I never had to call someone in Corporate Banking to ask, “Hey, are you guys processing loans well today?” Silence meant everything was fine, as far as I was concerned. If there was an issue, they would call. For us, it was a good time to resolve our very long and backed up Jira backlog and sort out other admin related issues in our office. Now fast forward, I’m a VA and trying to get clients for my online business. I had no idea how to navigate talking about what I could do for the small businesses I wanted to work with. The thought would make have back-to-back anxiety attacks. I mean, if I have written on my LinkedIn profile and in my website that this is what I can do, why do I need to convince you to work with me? This is how my mind would

10 Lessons I Learnt from 10 Years of Remote Work Read More »

Let’s Work Together!