Nailed It: Faith Chipapa’s Rise from Side Hustle t...

Nailed It: Faith Chipapa’s Rise from Side Hustle to Beauty Brand

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

In Zimbabwe’s vibrant beauty industry—where style meets hustle—Faith Chipapa is redefining what it means to turn talent into triumph.

A self-taught nail artist with a sharp eye for detail and a heart full of ambition, Faith has risen from painting nails in her neighbourhood to owning one of Harare’s most sought-after nail brands.

Her journey began with humble beginnings: no salon, no formal training—just raw passion and a willingness to learn.

“I started by doing nails for my friends and family. I didn’t have the fancy tools, just a few bottles of polish and a lot of creativity,” she shared.

That passion soon blossomed into a thriving business. Faith, who once rented a chair at the Sunset Mall Spa, steadily built a loyal clientele drawn to her signature custom designs, meticulous technique, and unmatched professionalism.

Today, her days are packed with back-to-back bookings—often over ten clients a day—eager for her unique “nail design fusion,” an inventive combination of gel, acrylic, texture, and fine brush artistry.

“Some days it’s exhausting, but it’s worth it. I love that my work helps women feel confident and beautiful,” she said.

Whether it’s for weddings, graduations, or major celebrations, her clients trust her to deliver designs that tell a story—sometimes even love stories. One of her most memorable sets featured hand-painted names of a bride and groom.

“When she saw the final design, she was overjoyed. She said it captured their love story perfectly. That moment reminded me why I do this.”

Her services range from US$5 to US$20, depending on design and length—offering both accessibility and a touch of luxury. During promotions, she ups the value with perks like free eyelash extensions for clients booking full nail services, a strategy that has cemented her status among Harare’s beauty-conscious crowd.

But Faith’s rise wasn’t without struggle. Like many women in Zimbabwe’s informal economy, she faced challenges—from lack of equipment and power cuts to days of zero income.

“There were days I’d go home with nothing. Days I questioned if this would ever work,” she recalled.

“But I told myself, if I improve my skill, stay professional, and be patient, the right clients will come.” That belief, backed by relentless effort, turned her hustle into a stable, income-generating business.

Now a mentor and entrepreneur, Faith is giving back. She teaches workshops and shares her story publicly to uplift aspiring nail artists.

“I believe knowledge shared is power multiplied. I want to inspire young women who feel stuck or unsure of their potential,” she said.

Resilience is at the heart of her message.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of it. You have to fail forward.”

Faith dreams of growing her brand beyond nail artistry. She envisions opening a training academy, launching a product line, and collaborating with international beauty houses.

“I want to build something bigger than myself. A brand that inspires and empowers. A space where art, business, and mentorship come together.”

Her story reflects the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial fire driving Zimbabwe’s beauty industry. Faith Chipapa isn’t just transforming fingertips—she’s transforming lives, one glittery brushstroke at a time.