Hatiperi Opens Doors at Long Chen Plaza: From $50 Startup Capital to Retail Success
The brand that became a mantra for resilience, Hatiperi, has officially opened a flagship store. Founder Tinotenda Matayi shares how he turned personal tragedy and a $50 investment into one of Zimbabwe's most recognizable local brands.
A Young Man Faces Adversity
Tinotenda Matayi's journey is one of overcoming significant challenges. In 2018, at the tender age of 17, he found himself facing the harsh realities of independence after losing his mother. With both of his sisters living abroad and being the only boy in the family, Matayi had to "man up" immediately.
This difficult period became the catalyst for Hatiperi. The name itself—which translates to "We don't perish" or "We are still here"—served as more than just a brand name; it became a mantra, a daily source of strength, and a powerful prayer that fueled Matayi's determination to survive.
Before fashion, Matayi trained as an electrical artisan. However, digging trenches for cables in Mutare made him realize that manual labor was not his calling. "I realized fashion was my thing back in school," he recalls. The hardships of the electrical trade pushed him back toward his true passion: branding and design.
From College Dorm to Local Star
Despite financial constraints and the emotional toll of his loss, Matayi refused to give up. With unwavering determination, he saved just $50 to order his first batch of plain t-shirts from China. The unique infinity logo, which has become synonymous with the brand, was designed by a local friend.
However, the initial phase was not without setbacks. The arrival of his first order was severely delayed due to the global lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, testing his resolve yet again.
Once the order finally arrived, the response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. People resonated with the message behind "Hatiperi"—a message of hope, resilience, and the power to overcome adversity. Matayi leveraged Twitter (now X) to build a community, engaging with users and creating a loyal fanbase that transcended mere customers.
Opening Doors at Long Chen Plaza
The grand opening of the new shop at Long Chen Plaza marks a massive milestone. Moving from selling t-shirts out of backpacks and car boots to a formal retail space signifies the brand's maturity.
"This journey has been full of tears, losses, stress, joy, and sometimes wins," Matayi reflects. "It took me close to six years to get the equation right at the start-up level."
Hatiperi has grown significantly from a one-man show. The brand has been officially registered for four years and now employs between 10 to 15 families depending on the month. Matayi has also expanded into manufacturing, recently investing $8,000 into an industrial embroidery machine to control production quality and costs.
Building a Legacy, Not Just a Look
Matayi isn't stopping at clothing. He has diversified into the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector with Coral Soft tissues. This move demonstrates his vision of becoming a serial entrepreneur who provides essential goods to the Zimbabwean market.
Despite his success, Matayi remains grounded. He famously stated in his interview that while he loves Mercedes Benz, he would rather reinvest $30,000 into his business than buy a luxury car at this stage. "I'm playing the long game," he says, prioritizing sustainable growth over flashing wealth.
"Hatiperi's new store is not just a retail space; it's a symbol of hope, a testament to the transformative power of a dream, and a reminder that with hard work and a little bit of faith, anything is possible."
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