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DESPITE the prevalence of predetermined career paths, women entrepreneurs in today’s world are fearlessly and unabashedly daring into unmapped territories, blazing their own trails to success. This is the story of Monica Mushaya, the owner of Mrs. Kay’s Closet, who carved her own unique journey.
As a young girl, her passion for fashion ignited during high school, where she engrossed herself in Fashion & Fabrics as her Practical Subject. While she pursued studies in accounting, Monica’s love for fashion never waned. In her free time, she would eagerly scour fashion pages on the internet and devour the latest magazines, fueling her desire to be a part of the fashion world.
In an exclusive with this publication, she said; “I would spend most of my free time browsing fashion pages on the internet and reading magazines. Whenever I went thrifting, I would buy items, even if they didn’t fit me, because my appreciation for beautiful pieces was immense. I would then find a friend who could fit into them and recover my money.
“The turning point came when I had my second child, who was born only 1 year and 6 months after my first. Dressing became a nightmare. One day, I wore an outfit to work that I absolutely loved, and I asked my husband to take a picture. I created the page Mrs. Kay’s Kloset with the sole purpose of inspiring others. To my surprise, on the second day, people started asking where they could find the pieces or if I could sell them. This marked a turning point for me.
“The clients I gained through my page led me to where I am today. I never imagined myself opening a thrift shop, although I had my own business idea in mind. Please forgive me for the lengthy explanation; I intended to keep it brief.”
According to her, her husband serves as her biggest fan and a constant source of inspiration. He consistently reinforces her talent and emphasizes the fortunate position she finds herself in, having discovered a passion that not only brings her joy but also serves as a source of income. In addition to her husband’s support, she also looks up to various fashion gurus within the industry, whom she follows closely for guidance and inspiration.
“I established Mrs Kay’s Kloset because most people commonly cite the high cost of clothing as a barrier to looking good, which is why a thrift shop became the go-to solution for many, if not everyone. In January 2014, the business was launched as a boot sale before transforming into its present-day form.”
She was inspired to open her boutique in Harare because it is a vibrant and diverse fashion scenery, aiming to provide affordable yet classic outfits and make dressing easy for her customers.
“Having been born and bred in Harare, there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity of having the shop closer to home.
“The idea of making dressing easy for customers, regardless of their ability to rock a beautiful piece, came from a concept where I would model the outfits, give tips on how to style them according to body type, and do the donkey work for you. Then, you can come and choose from the thrift pieces that exude various brands while remaining affordable.”
Navigating the delicate balance between work and family has been a challenging journey for her. At times, she believed she had successfully mastered this juggling act, only to realize that prioritizing one aspect inevitably meant sacrificing the other. The notion of achieving perfect balance is elusive. In retrospect, she recalls the early stages being particularly demanding as she struggled to establish her footing. The dynamics and demands of balancing work and family have evolved significantly since her children were young, shaping a different narrative today.
“My work is always busy, but what I have done is create a schedule that aligns with the current circumstances. Sometimes, I conduct my shoots as early as 6:45 in the morning, allowing me to be at work by 8 am. Other times, I schedule them after 5:30 pm. I strive to find balance within my present situation. As for my family, I am fortunate to have the most supportive husband who truly understands my passion. The girls bring me immense joy, and they have even started affectionately calling me Mrs. Kays. (Laughs)”
The aspiration for gender equity has been a subject of ongoing discussion and activism. It prompts contemplation on whether attaining equality between genders is a feasible objective or merely an abstract notion rooted in moral values. The ongoing conversation surrounding this matter reflects the intricate nature and difficulties associated with the pursuit of a fairer and more balanced society.
Commenting on that: “I think yes there are steps in a positive direction but I feel there is a still a gap in what of course what our society is accustomed to and that alone I feel there Is need for more education to what this is all about. To some extent we are going towards that appreciation of gender equity but the fullness of it no, I think morally right depending on circumstances.”
In today’s digital era, it is no surprise that being online has become crucial for individuals and businesses alike.
Evidence suggests that social media has become a prevalent and essential aspect of people’s lives. Consumers, businesses, and employers all actively engage on various social media platforms, and neglecting to build a brand and market on these platforms means willingly falling behind in the competitive landscape. It is imperative for businesses to recognize the power of social media in reaching and connecting with their audience. By leveraging the potential of social media for growth and success, businesses can tap into a vast pool of potential customers and establish meaningful connections with them. The ability to effectively utilize social media platforms has become a vital skill for businesses to thrive in the digital era.
“Facebook was my first home where the business was created, and the journey has been awesome. I would like to express my gratitude to the people who guided me in the right direction and pushed me to where I am today. The concept of receiving input from different individuals, having them cheer me on, and spreading the word to others has been invaluable.
“Furthermore, accepting constructive criticism has allowed me to learn and grow, as we ultimately learn through others.
“The internet is the way to go, with applications like Pinterest, Instagram, and X becoming essential tools. I also conduct random searches for street style inspiration and explore how other thrifters are doing it in different countries through platforms like TikTok. It’s all about continuous learning and gaining knowledge.”
In running a boutique, the significance of uniqueness cannot be overstated. It sets the boutique apart from competitors, establishes its own identity, and attracts customers looking for something distinct. Uniqueness creates a sense of exclusivity, fosters customer loyalty, and helps the boutique stand out in a crowded market. Ultimately, offering a truly unique experience allows the boutique to thrive and leave a lasting impression on customers.
“We are located in Avondale, which enhances the shopping experience by eliminating the stress of parking issues and rushed shopping. We prioritize providing excellent customer service by understanding our clients’ needs and wants. Additionally, we actively engage in charity work with prominent organizations like Harare Children’s Home. To keep our clients engaged, we strive to maintain a high level of innovation and consistently offer exciting new products. However, feedback in any form is crucial for us to progress and prioritize customer satisfaction over monetary gains.”Parting words: There is the rise of copycats rather competition , the idea that everyone who is not working is resorting to a thrift shop , I have started another venture I have established a clothing line by the name Kays Modern Vogue. As we may have related before issue of family time, you know being a mum and a wife that doesn’t come easy at all. The time is never enough so you need best support system if those understand you then you can progress
