Tariro Gezi: From Selling Freezits to "The Bold" Brand Influencer — A Story of Resilience
In a candid interview with V Candy on Star FM, Tariro Gezi opens up about her natural curves, surviving a restrictive marriage, and the hustle that took her from hawking at the Agric Show to becoming a household brand.
"I Got It From My Mama"
In an era of BBLs and cosmetic enhancements, Tariro Gezi cleared the air about her famous physique. While she has been working out diligently with a personal trainer to maintain her shape as a fashion model, the foundation is purely genetic.
"I'm one of the few people who can actually say I got it from my mama! She was my BBL sponsor. Those who know my mom, Mai Gezi, know exactly where I got this body from," Tariro laughed.
She revealed her mother is Shona from Murehwa, and despite her grandmother raising her in Bulawayo, her roots are deeply Zimbabwean.
Tariro's mother left for South Africa to find work when Tariro was just 1 year and 8 months old. She was raised in Bulawayo by her maternal grandmother and grandfather.
"I grew up in a family setting with both grandparents, so life was great. Bulawayo is the City of Kings and Queens, and I consider it my home," she reflected, noting that she still visits every December to honor her grandmother's memory.
The First Influencer Gig: Edgars
Tragedy struck when Tariro was in Form 4; her stepfather, who had been supporting the family, passed away. With no funds for university despite excellent grades at Regina Mundi and Chiredzi, her mother told her she had to start working to help support her younger siblings.
She took a job as a sales rep at Edgars, which she calls her "first influencer job."
To win the weekly sales competitions, Tariro realized the clothes didn't look appealing on hangers. She asked her manager for permission to wear the clothes herself.
"When civil servants came in to buy on account, they would see the dress on me and say, 'I want that one.' I scooped 'Best Sales Rep' for eight weeks continuously because of that strategy," she recalled. This passion for looking good laid the groundwork for her future career.
Marriage, Divorce & The Agric Show Breakthrough
Tariro met her ex-husband while working at Edgars. He promised to pay for her school (ACCA), filling the gap of what she couldn't afford. However, she got pregnant, and the education plans stalled.
The marriage was restrictive. "I wasn't allowed on social media. My job was church, cleaning, cooking, and being a mom. I was a 'soffad' babe," she joked, referring to sitting on the sofa waiting for her husband.
When the marriage ended and her husband left the country, Tariro was left with nothing. She couldn't even tell her mother she had been abandoned. She moved back to the "ghetto" and started hustling to survive.
"I started selling freezits, then water. At the Agricultural Show, a friend told me, 'If you want money, you go to the people.' I stood in the lines selling drinks and multiplied my money by 20 times in a day," she revealed.
This experience taught her a valuable lesson: "Even a dollar matters. There is peace that comes with knowing you bought your own lip gloss."
"There's a Thin Line Between Submission and Stupidity"
Tariro faced significant backlash on social media for advising young women to empower themselves before marriage. Critics felt she was bitter or attacking the institution of marriage.
She clarified her stance: "I was young and naive. I didn't know who I was. I just wanted to be rescued. My message to my 'girlies' is simply: Empower yourself first. Know who you are, have your own money, and plan your life. Don't just wait to be a dependent."
Despite the "rich aunt" vibes and independence rhetoric, Tariro confirmed she is not anti-men. She is currently dating a single man and is very happy.
"I am happy. I’ve learned self-awareness, and I’m building my life with intention now," she concluded.
Match Panels to Inverter
Tips for optimal system performance.
3.5kVA Inverter Load Guide
Explore residential setup capabilities.
Best Solar Panels Zimbabwe
Analysis of performance and durability.
Solar Companies Zimbabwe
Customer service and reliability.
Best Solar Panel Brands
Guide for home and business solutions.
Solar Installers Zimbabwe
Professional and certified installers.
3kVA System Cost Guide
Get pricing information for Zimbabwe.
5kVA System Cost Guide
Budget requirements for systems.
David (Solar Sales)