BIO

MEET ZANA'KAY

Innovative Architectural Designer, Entrepreneur, Model, Writer, Poet, Speaker and Cultural Activist

Zana'Kay currently holds the following positions:

Founder & CEO A Tribe Called Zimbabwe
Director Zana'Kay Creations
Director- Zana’Kay Lifestyle Consultancy
Concept Director & Creative Writer at Maverick Studio

AMBITION

I have flair in the arts. I love people and am interested in the spaces in which they are found. I aspire to flourish as an Architectural Designer and Lifestyle consultant . To be involved in changing mindsets, changing behavior and changing lifestyles. To be pivotal in the creation a generation that is self aware, that is interested in the wellbeing not only of ourselves but our environment .

I want to design and bring to life art and infrastructure that not only is a masterpiece but speaks well in the expression of beauty and the uniqueness of Africa. Opportunities granted, I would love own media that offers young people with a platform to express themselves.

I aspire to be the best that God wants me to be. To bring out not only my outer beauty but my inner beauty as well .To be resourceful in creativity, energy and initiative and be a source of dynamism and social renewal.

CORE VALUES

Purpose. Intergrity. Hardwork. Arête

SOCIAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND LEADERSHIP ROLES

Head Girl, Writers Club President, Interact Club Vice President, Debate and Public Speaking Club President - Mzilikazi High School 2003
Zimbabwe Supermodel Finalist 2004
Miss Bulawayo 2005
Miss Zimbabwe 1st Princess 2006
Zimbabwe representative at Miss Tourism Model Of The World, Tanzania 2006
Volunteer for Childline Zimbabwe 2006
Member of YWCA –Young Women’s Christian Association
Nominated among Zimbabwe’s Top Ten innovative young Leaders – Imagine Africa Zimbabwe 2008 {Search for young leaders to champion fight against HIV\AIDS}
Judging Various beauty contests including Miss Hospitality Zimbabwe 2008
Image Consultancy and Grooming for Miss Bulawayo 2008 contestants
Contributor\Writer ,The Sunday News –Fashion and Style Column 2009
Lifestyle Model M1 Management ,Cape Town, South Africa 2010
Motivational Speaking at cooperate and school functions 2010
Guest of honor at Ndebele Day, Petra High School 2011
Motivational Speaker at Healthways Agricultural Expo 2011
Guest Poetry Exhibitor at Intwasa Poetry Exhibition, Bulawayo Art Gallery 2011
Launch of www.zanakay.wordpress.com blog in October 2011, the musings of a young woman defying odds . 100 200 hits to date.
Member of the Edgars Corporate Social Responsibility Team 2013
Launched the I Am Beautiful/Ngimuhle Campaign.Empowering teenage girls for social & personal transformation.2014
US International Visitor Leadership Program 2018 Fellow-Women in Business 2018 Fellow

BRIEF HISTORY

Nomakhosazana Khanyile Ncube, affectionately known as Zana'kay was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Her name means mother of princesses- "Queen" .She was raised by a single mother whom she credits for instilling her with good values and a solid hard-work ethic from a young age. It is her tough childhood years, growing up without a father figure, being constantly evicted from home, being the skinniest, youngest and albeit under privileged child in class that carved out her resilient spirit and tenacity to survive and be a success.

She attended Baines Junior School and later Mzilikazi High School where she participated in various competitions to raise money for school fees and at one time worked as a house maid during holidays.

It was at this time she developed a relationship with God and still strives today to perfect that relationship.

Soon after high school she enrolled into college to study Architecture whilst pursuing her pageant dream which saw her being crowned Miss Bulawayo and later in the same year Miss Zimbabwe 1st Princess at a tender age of 19.

It was during these years that she developed a passion for motivational speaking and image and grooming consultancy, sharing her story to inspire others like her.

When her pageant reign was over she returned to college and completed her Higher Diploma in Architectural Technology and later pursued a Bachelors Degree in Architecture.

During this time she also worked for various companies including Edgars Stores Limited as a Store Designer and Project Manager responsible for designing and managing construction projects of Edgars and Jet stores nationwide as well as a wealth of freelance architectural work designing residences and small scale commercial spaces. She then took a bold step to become an entrepreneur.

She is passionate about learning and is always developing her skills in business and architecture practice.

Zana'kay is single but hopes to settle down one day. She enjoys playing chess, traveling, reading, art and watching science fiction movies.

Her motto is- " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Women Who Inspire Zana'kay

My Mother, The Biblical Ruth, Michelle Obama, Carol Bouwer, Fifi Ejindu , Nkechi Harry Ngonadi, Khanyi Dlomo , Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Magatte Wade, Joyce Meyer, Folorunsho Alajika, Zaha Hadid

Inspiration:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29 vs 11