Gertrude Mashano’s Story

We had a chance to catch up with Alumna Gertrude Mashano, Class of 2015, to learn about her inspiring journey since graduating from Northrise University. From starting as a receptionist to becoming the Creative Director of her own business, ZedAura – Furniture & Furnishings, Gertrude’s story is one of passion, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. In this interview, she shares her experiences, challenges, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

 

Tell us about your journey after graduating from Northrise University. How did you get to where you are today?

My journey to date has been one of many interesting twists and turns. After completing my BBA, I was referred for a receptionist job at Mpala Logistics in Ndola by my then Thesis Supervisor, Mr. Sikobela. I attended my interviews and against all odds, I didn’t only get the job, but they felt I had done exceptionally well that they created a brand new role for me within their organization. I stayed with Mpala for about a year, during which I moved up into a Sales and Administration Supervisory role. I left Mpala to then work for an online international coaching business. My role as Administrator was to ensure that the organization and its clients were seamlessly on-boarded and off-boarded through our programs. I’d customize the material that went out, deal with inquiries, follow up on billing and payments as well as provide our CEO with the support he needed to successfully coach our clients. Eventually, I moved on to working for a butchery chain in Kitwe, at the time Meatrite. The butchery had seven outlets two of which were attached to our production plants. I also moved up quickly in that organization, leaving as the main production Manager. Finally, I saved up a little capital to take a shot at what has been my longest engagement to date, The majority owner and Creative Director of Zedaura Investments; a small business that makes new furniture pieces as well as refurbishes old furniture for clients with a discerning eye.

What inspired you to start ZedAura – Furniture & Furnishings? What has been your most rewarding experience as the Director?

I’ve always had a passion for interior design, particularly furniture design. For the longest time, I didn’t think much of it beyond being a quirky hobby. During my time at Northrise University, I found myself sketching furniture ideas or catching every design show I could. I thought it was just a peculiar trait—something that set me apart but didn’t necessarily have a future.

It wasn’t until after graduation that I realized my passion was worth pursuing. With no formal knowledge of furniture construction or design, I decided to give it a shot. I started small—commissioning a local carpenter to make chair frames that I would reupholster myself. I made duvet covers, sewed curtains, and crafted scatter cushions for my bed. I even built pallet furniture for my flat.

Taking the leap, I subleased a shop and started working out of a back room, crafting safari nets. Eventually, I was able to rent my own shop and later a house where I operated for several years. Every year on this journey has been exhilarating. While some of the projects I’ve worked on have been grand and complex, the most rewarding moments have come from exceeding clients’ expectations—finding solutions that not only look beautiful but stand the test of time.

One project that stands out involved restoring a set of classic mukwa armchairs made by the now-defunct but highly esteemed FurnCo. The chairs were a gift from a client’s husband, along with custom-printed fabric he had chosen for her. We redesigned elements of the chairs while restoring their structure to its former glory. Though it wasn’t the most extravagant project I’ve worked on, it holds a special place in my heart because of the personal significance it carried for the client and the joy it brought her.

How did your education at Northrise University shape your career and personal growth?

I majored in Business Administration, and I believe that for an aspiring entrepreneur, it provided me with all the basic tools needed to start and run a startup or small business, with the hope of growing into a mega business one day. Every course I took has aided me in my decision-making (Business Strategy), managing staff (Human Resource Management), pricing goods and services (Business Costing), tracking sales and costs (Business Accounting), and managing my value chains (Business Logistics), along with many other tools and skills I acquired during my education at Northrise University. Additionally, I gained not only hard skills but also soft skills through presentations, various clubs I joined, and continuous interactions with both staff and peers. I graduated from Northrise University as a well-rounded employee and a potential business owner.

What challenges have you faced in running your own business, and how have you overcome them?

My two biggest challenges have been staffing and financing the growth of our business. Regarding staffing, I’ve been fortunate to work with some honest and trustworthy individuals. Over the years, I have trained many people in the skills required to produce the goods and services we offer. However, on occasion, these individuals and I have had to part ways due to various challenges such as differing communication styles, the lack of steady growth to increase salaries at a rate that satisfies them, theft, tardiness, and habitual absenteeism. As an employer, subcontractor, or team lead, I’ve found that I cannot continue such relationships, as they have proven detrimental to our customer satisfaction.

In terms of financing, we’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to make ends meet through my other endeavors, such as farming, media presenting, event management, interior design consultation, and various jobs I take on from time to time. Additionally, I was a recipient of a business grant from the prestigious Tony Elumelu Foundation in 2021. This much-needed injection of funds allowed us to purchase tools, as well as a vehicle to help with purchases, deliveries, and activities related to sourcing new business.

What advice would you give to current Northrise students and recent graduates who are looking to start their own businesses or venture into entrepreneurship?

I would advise aspiring business owners to try their hand at as many business ventures as possible, starting as early as their foundation year. They should volunteer for every activity, opportunity, and request that comes from fellow students or faculty members. Additionally, engaging in small business activities to raise funds for extracurricular activities—such as selling hair, second-hand clothes, snacks—will go a long way in helping them understand business basics and develop the soft skills needed to thrive once they take the plunge.

Often, there are leadership opportunities available, such as volunteer activities or positions on the Student Council. One can campaign for roles like treasurer or secretary. Positions like these provide experience in areas such as sourcing, budgeting, planning, and interacting with customers to move projects forward.

I’ve found that while the hard skills I learned in the classroom are invaluable, my business survival often depends on my agility and ability to adapt to the prevailing clientele and environment at any given moment

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?

Similar to the words of Doris in the animated film Finding Nemo, I often find myself saying out loud, “Just keep swimming…” This little adage reminds me to keep moving forward. My frustration, fatigue, exasperation, and sometimes waning faith in my calling to make people’s homes more beautiful are often banished in the light of this small mantra.

I think the biggest challenge in entrepreneurship, especially as a founder, is foregoing common sense to either launch a business or keep it going, even when the future seems uncertain. That being said, I should also add that knowing when to close a business is equally important. Oftentimes, pride has prevented many wise individuals from recognizing when enough is enough.

In conclusion, I would say this: my most valuable lesson has been that God will always speak to you through both the good and the bad times. Oftentimes, that voice you hear in the dead of night is His voice. If you are open to Him, He will guide you. But one must gather the strength to keep going—to strike the stone again and again—until you get your miracle. So, just keep swimming.

In what ways do you stay connected to Northrise University and the alumni community?

I’m blessed to be friends with some of the Northrise faculty, and not only that, but I’m also a beneficiary of Northrise’s mandate to support its former students. As an alumni member, I am often called upon to work on furniture and furnishings around the campus. I often find myself advocating for the university and marketing it to potential students. I sing the high praises of the internationally acclaimed syllabus, helping prospective students and sponsors understand that they will be allowing their child or benefactor to earn a degree of international standard.

I hope that many more people will make the best choice available to them by choosing Northrise University, just as I did.

How do you balance the demands of your business with personal and community responsibilities?

This is indeed very challenging. As a mother to a newborn, I find myself learning what work-life balance truly looks like. Before, I had a demanding work life, but the life I had designed for myself fostered this pattern. Now, with a baby in the picture, I often find myself juggling the two. I want to be at work, pushing forward the vision and dream I’ve held for so long, but missing my son’s milestones is not a price I am willing to pay. So, I’ve taken a more relaxed approach, seeking ways to work more from home and encouraging my team to work more autonomously.

Looking back, what was your most memorable experience at Northrise University?

I enjoyed the semester when I worked on my thesis. My thesis was based on entrepreneurship, where I listed the qualities that we learned entrepreneurs need to have. I then formulated a questionnaire designed for marketers. Additionally, I approached CETZAM, which was providing micro-financing for marketers, and together with their field workers, we visited clients in the field who answered my questionnaire, thus providing me with the data to support my theory.

I thoroughly enjoyed this process, as well as the many interactions I had with so many phenomenal women who were passionate about elevating their families from poverty.

Where do you see ZedAura – Furniture & Furnishings in the next five years? What are your future goals?

My ultimate goal is to establish a notable interior design house, providing furnishings and complementary services primarily to the Zambian and Congolese markets. In five years, I hope to be working remotely while living on a farm, attending virtual meetings, and visiting our manufacturing plants quarterly.

I view this initial year as my education in furniture and interior design. My goal is to gradually reduce my involvement in managing operations. I believe my role as a founder should evolve into one focused solely on strategic planning as time goes on.