Pokello Nare: Zimbabwe's Entrepreneurial Powerhouse and Queen of Swagger
From reality TV sensation to the founder of a thriving luxury shoe brand, Pokello Nare has established herself as one of Zimbabwe's most influential businesswomen and brand influencers. Known for her bold style and fearless approach to entrepreneurship, she continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts across the continent.
The Rise of the "Queen of Swagger"
Born on August 24, 1985, Pokello was exposed to influence from an early age. Her father is Retired Colonel George Nare, and her stepfather is prominent politician Ignatius Chombo. She pursued higher education at Monash University in South Africa, earning a degree in Business Management and Media, and made history as the first woman to hold the social coordinator position on campus.
Pokello's public career exploded in 2013 when she represented Zimbabwe on the eighth season of Big Brother Africa. Her confident, witty, and headstrong personality captivated audiences across the continent, earning her the enduring nickname "Queen of Swagger" and establishing her as one of the show's most memorable housemates.
Building the Pokello Brand
A sharp entrepreneur, Pokello launched her first venture, a luxury shoe boutique called "Addicted 2 Shoes," in 2011. In 2014, she evolved this into her signature brand, "Pokello Pink Bottoms," creating a line of shoes specifically designed for the dimensions of an African woman's foot—a savvy move that identified and filled a crucial gap in the market.
In 2025, Pokello strategically entered the beverage market with her own brand of canned wine, a move praised for aligning her brand with a younger, modern demographic. Her business empire also includes a nail polish line, Pokello Nail Lacquer, and numerous high-profile endorsement deals with brands like Vault Cosmetics.
Her Philosophy on Success
Pokello credits her success to an unwavering belief in herself. "My biggest strength is, I never needed to prove to anyone but myself that I could reach great heights," she has stated. This drive for self-validation is one of her core "rules for success."
"Learning to live without the approval or validation of others is a rule you need to live by."
Inspired by a circle of strong, entrepreneurial women she grew up around, Pokello is a passionate advocate for female financial independence. She has spoken out against patriarchal barriers, asserting, "My brilliance and my seat at the table should not be determined by my skirt or my marriage certificate."
Personal Life
Pokello is a mother to two sons, Nathan and Tristan. Despite her vast business empire and public profile, she maintains that her children are her priority: "My sons always come first. Business and other pressing engagements are scheduled around them and their needs."
Her romantic life has often been a subject of public fascination. On Big Brother Africa, she met Ghanaian tailor Elikem Kumordzie, whom she married in 2015 and divorced in 2018. More recently, she has been in a relationship with Emmerson Mnangagwa Jr., referring to him as her "husband" during her 40th birthday celebrations in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
She is a successful entrepreneur with several businesses, most notably her luxury shoe line, "Pokello Pink Bottoms," a nail polish brand called "Pokello Nail Lacquer," and her own brand of canned wine launched in 2025.
Pokello was propelled to continental fame in 2013 as Zimbabwe's representative on the reality TV show Big Brother Africa, where her confident personality earned her the nickname "Queen of Swagger."
After her divorce from Elikem Kumordzie, she entered into a relationship with Emmerson Mnangagwa Jr.
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