Zaharah Namanda’s journey is a powerful one. It’s a story of resilience. She grew up in Ntinda, Kampala, in a loving home of six children. Her single mother worked tirelessly to provide a dignified life, doing all she could to afford quality education for her children.

Zaharah remembers her mother as loving, caring, and fully present. Every time Zaharah brought homework home, her mother was there to help, and Zaharah consistently ranked among the top students in her class. Despite her demanding work, Zahara’s mother spent time with her children, instilling in them the values of honesty, authenticity, and most importantly, creativity. But at just 13 years old, Zaharah’s life changed forever when her mother passed away. Suddenly, she became the head of the family, caring for her younger siblings, including an eight-month-old, a two-year-old, and a ten-year-old. Their aunt sold their late mother’s house, forcing them to relocate to Kulambiro, Kampala. Childhood for Zaharah was replaced with the responsibilities of parenting.

Making the most of their resources, Zahara managed to start a small business selling clothes on market days. She juggled this with school and looking after her siblings. Then, at 16, she secured work as a brand ambassador promoting beauty products like Movit hair products. Amid these hardships of balancing work and school, she developed leadership, communication, and organisational skills that would later define her career and calling.