Sharon Tapera Transforms Small Beginnings Into a Thriving Beauty Enterprise

Zimbabwean entrepreneur Sharon Tapera is demonstrating how vision, persistence and hard work can turn informal beginnings into a successful business that impacts both clients and professionals in the beauty industry. Tapera founded Ghettofab Beauty Bar in September 2019, starting as a small operation in Glenview 1 where she personally provided beauty services while building her experience and reputation. Her hands-on approach allowed her to understand the needs of her clients and the dynamics of the beauty market, laying the foundation for a professional studio in Harare’s Avenues area. Tapera’s dedication has not only transformed her own career but also created opportunities for other women, as she distributes beauty products and trains upcoming technicians across Zimbabwe. Her journey exemplifies the impact an entrepreneur can have when combining skill, vision and a commitment to community development.

Tapera credits her early experiences working pamusika for shaping her approach to business and client care. She explained that operating informally enabled her to connect with clients, learn the market, and gradually build a loyal following. “Starting pamusika and growing into a beauty brand has shown me that women can build businesses from small beginnings and create opportunities for others,” she said. Tapera intentionally infused her personal story into the brand name, with “Ghetto” representing her roots and “fab” representing professionalism and confidence. This philosophy guides every aspect of the studio, from beauty services to product distribution and training programs. Her leadership ensures that quality and professionalism remain central while staying true to her journey and community roots.

Beyond managing day-to-day operations, Tapera actively provides services herself, from lash and brow treatments to semi-permanent makeup, facials, waxing and piercings. She also oversees beauty product sourcing, ensuring that technicians across Harare and other cities in Zimbabwe have access to high-quality supplies. Tapera’s hands-on management extends to mentoring and training aspiring beauty professionals, helping women establish their own ventures and expand their skills. She emphasizes skills development and empowerment as key parts of her mission, showing that her focus extends beyond her own business to the growth of others in the industry. Tapera’s role as a mentor and provider has positioned her as both a leader and influencer in Zimbabwe’s beauty sector.

Tapera faced significant challenges in growing Ghettofab Beauty Bar, including limited startup capital and a competitive market. She overcame these obstacles through persistence, consistent service quality, reinvesting profits and leveraging referrals and social media to build trust and visibility. Her determination to grow her business while maintaining personal involvement has allowed her to lead a lean team effectively. Tapera personally performs most procedures, trains new technicians and oversees client relations, demonstrating a level of commitment that has helped the studio evolve from a small startup into a respected beauty brand. Her ability to balance operational management with strategic growth highlights her entrepreneurial skills and dedication to excellence.

Sharon Tapera’s journey illustrates the power of vision, perseverance and community-focused entrepreneurship. From her early days providing services in Glenview to leading a recognized beauty enterprise in Harare, she has shown that determination and careful planning can transform small ideas into sustainable ventures. Through Ghettofab Beauty Bar, Tapera has created employment, strengthened skills development, and set a model for other aspiring entrepreneurs. Her story is a testament to what can be achieved when talent is combined with discipline, strategic growth and a commitment to uplifting others within the industry. Tapera continues to inspire by showing that one person’s vision and effort can create lasting impact for a wider community.