Taking the bull by its horns: running a business while at School

By Yolanda Chirandu

SIMBARASHE Elisha Zhou is the managing director and co-founder of Bliss Tech who took a leap of faith by starting a company of his own while still at university without waiting to graduate and seeing what the future had in store for him after graduation.

His determination to dare to try has paid off really well since his adventure in 2019.

“In 2019 I started a software company where we developed systems and software that increases efficiency in the workplace.  Due to the success in system and software development, we then expanded our services to offering web design, webhosting and cloud services,” Zhou told the Entrepreneurial Magazine.

“Recently, we have started offering ICT Hardware like computers, printers, consumables, mobile phones and accessories amongst other things. The journey Is quite exciting. Although not easy. But we will win.

‘What inspired the idea was that l noticed that there are few players in Africa in the technology and systems business so l started Bliss Tech as a measure to bridge the gap”

Before venturing into entrepreneurship, the 24 year old worked at a Butchery in Waterfalls Parktown called Something Meaty where he started off as a general hand, sweeping the floors, moping them, doing the trays and dishes and making sure the butchery is well kept.

“I then rose to a sales person and later I would also help with deliveries. By then, I was young but those two men entrusted me with the position of general manager. We then parted ways when I felt that I had learnt and served the company well. It was time to take on a new path. The endearing path of entrepreneurship,” he said.

The business was owned by Simanga Zhou and Stanslaw Mutakuramombe whom Zhou said had a tremendous impact in his life and they planted a seed of entrepreneurship in him.

Zhou however noted that starting a business at his age was a big challenge as people were less trusting him with their projects and money saying it was too risky. Despite the drawback he kept believing, and kept going.

“I made it my goal not to disappoint until I met that one person who took a bet on me and risked it all. I delivered and the next thing one become two, two become three people and the rest is history,” he said.

“Another challenge I faced when starting was the finances which were not enough. When starting you will be hoping that there will be a lot of money at the end of the month but the reverse is true. I wasn’t deterred. As I failed, I failed fast, and changed my strategy.”

Zhou cautioned aspiring entrepreneurs that there is no magic in business but the secret lies in getting started, being innovative and working hard to the top, adding that creating long lasting business relations is key.

“Your network is a great determinant for your net worth,” he said.

Currently the company is helping the society by providing school fees to less privileged students. “We believe  that the future is in the hands of children and we are trying to equip them to be helpful in society and to ultimately contribute in growing our economy as a country.’’