Working Woman Wednesday

Today's feature is Tanya Mushayi, a designer from Zimbabwe. I came across Tanya when she followed me on Instagram. I had a look at her feed and was impressed at how this young lady was showcasing her African label, with its vibrant colours and hip hop style. Her photo shoots also highlight a cool side of Africa whilst still embracing typical Africa. I've asked Tanya to tell us about herself below.

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself
I'm Tanya Nicola Mushayi. I'm a designer from Harare, Zimbabwe. I live in the sunshine city of Harare.
My label is Tanya Nefertari - Tanya is short for Tanyaradzwa, which means "we have been consoled" in Shona language, and Nefertari means "beautiful companion" in ancient Kemet language.

2) Do you have a go-to instagram filter?
​My go-to instagram filter is Clarendon.

3) Whose instagram business inspires you?
Boda Skins instagram business inspires me the most. They started small selling on eBay and stuck by their aesthetic and style over the years. I've watched them grow into one of the biggest luxury limited leather jacket brands in the world. I aspire to be like that with Tanya Nefertari some day.

4) What is a favorite place you’ve been photographed?
A farm in Tynwald, Harare for my collaboration with Tehn Diamond for Tisu Ngoda Dzacho & my label, Tanya Nefertari. It was shot by Steven Chikosi and Tarirowashe of Meso Maviri

5) Name a location in Zimbabwe you have been that you think everyone should explore?
I think everyone should explore the Chinhoyi caves. It's a magical experience, pictures really don’t do the Zimbabwean natural wonder any justice you have to feel it to believe it.

6) What’s next on your destination list?
Kigali, Rwanda

7) Do you have a business quote that you live by?
"In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is failing" - Seth Godin

8) Anything else you want people to know about you?
More than anything, I'd like people to know it's worth chasing your dreams. It's worth a try. I came back home to Zimbabwe after 13 years away to start something of my own. I've been working on my label for the past five years now and I wouldn't change a thing. It's not always been easy but the regret of not knowing what could have been would have killed me slowly.
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If you're interested in purchasing any of Tanya's clothing, please go onto her websites www.tanyanefertari.com
or www.tanyanefertari.bigcartel.com. The jackets are so cool. They're reversible too so you get two looks for one.

Photographs by Steven Chikosi (@stevenchikosi) and Tarirowashe of Meso Maviri (@washesees of @mesomaviri)