Wander and Weave

  My Skincare Journey: The Love-Hate Relationship with My Skin I’ve always had a complicated relationship with my skin. It has been one of my greatest hurdles in life—testing my confidence, my patience, and my ability to embrace myself fully. Growing up, acne was my biggest struggle, especially during my teenage years. It felt like no matter what I did, my skin refused to cooperate. The worst part? The comments. People rarely realize how deep words can cut, but I do. I remember in high school when someone called me “guava skin”—as if my skin’s texture was something to joke about. That moment, and many other passive comments, chipped away at my self-esteem, making me feel like I wasn’t pretty enough. Desperate for a solution, I tried everything. Home remedies? Check. I slathered my face with lemon juice, avocado paste, and aloe vera. Nothing. I experimented with different products, hoping one would be the magic fix. Then, a friend introduced me to Gentle Magic skincare. The lotions ...

  Knitted Dreams: My Love Affair with Sweaters, Cardigans, and Vests There’s something about knitted wear that feels like home. Since primary school, I’ve had a deep love for sweaters, cardigans, and vests. While my classmates reached for blazers, I gravitated toward the warmth and softness of a knitted sweater. It wasn’t just about staying cozy—it was about the statement it made: simple yet stylish, comfortable yet chic. My love for knits started with my grandparents. Grandpa’s vintage sweaters paired effortlessly with his trousers and loafers, while Grandma’s cardigans were the perfect blend of elegance and ease. Watching them dress for different occasions left a lasting impression. Whether they were heading to church, a family gathering, or just relaxing at home, their knitted pieces always looked like they belonged. And that’s the beauty of knitted wear—it’s universal. You can pair a chunky sweater with mom jeans for a casual weekend outing or layer a sleek vest over a button-d...

Living Alone in Japan: How Isolation Became My Greatest Teacher Moving to Japan alone was a giant leap of faith—one I never thought I’d take. Sure, I had traveled before, but always with family by my side. This time, there was no safety net, no familiar faces to lean on, and no shared comfort of home. It was just me, stepping into the unknown. When I arrived, the reality hit like a wave: I had to figure everything out on my own—housing, work, navigating a new culture, meeting new people, and adjusting to a language I barely understood. Let me tell you, the term "culture shock" finally made sense. I was completely overwhelmed, teetering between excitement and dread, constantly battling the suffocating silence of isolation. Living alone in a foreign land brought out a vulnerability I had never experienced. Back home, I was surrounded by people who would swoop in to help at a moment's notice. In Japan, I had to learn to do it all—alone. And that, my friends, is when anxiety ...

  From Sadza to Sushi: A Shona Girl's Journey with Japanese Cuisine When I first moved to Japan, adjusting to the food felt like embarking on a culinary adventure I wasn’t entirely ready for. As a traditional Shona girl who loves her sadza (a hearty staple in Zimbabwean cuisine), stepping into a world of sushi, ramen, and unfamiliar soups was a huge leap. The African and Japanese cuisines couldn’t be more different, yet, in their own way, they both celebrate flavors, textures, and a sense of community around the table. At first, I was skeptical. With my history of food allergies, I tiptoed cautiously around Japanese cuisine, unsure of what might trigger a reaction. I vividly remember missing the comforts of home—the warm embrace of sadza, the fragrant aroma of mahatma rice, and the joy of gnawing on beef with bones that reminded me of family gatherings back in Zimbabwe. To cope, I decided to bring my own lunch to school during my first few months in Japan. However, curiosity soon g...

  Kuda Rice: A Poet’s Journey Through Words, Fashion, and Visual Storytelling When you think of Zimbabwean creativity, Kuda Rice's name shines like a beacon of hope and artistry. A poet, storyteller, model, and creative director, Kuda is redefining what it means to be a modern-day Renaissance artist. His journey is a masterclass in passion, resilience, and the sheer power of storytelling. For Kuda, the journey began with a love for art and communication. “I started as a dancer,” he reflects, “but poetry opened my eyes to a unique way of expressing myself.” From the rhythm of the dance floor to the cadence of spoken word, Kuda discovered his gift for weaving words into emotional tapestries. This love for storytelling soon expanded beyond personal narratives to crafting visual stories and directing projects for others. His poetry became the foundation for all his other pursuits—fashion, filmmaking, and creative directing—all of which are extensions of his storytelling. “At my core, I...

  The Inked Journey: How My Love for Reading, Writing, and Journaling Began Growing up, the smell of inked paper and the rustling sound of flipping pages became a soundtrack to my childhood. My grandfather, a devoted reader, had an almost ritualistic relationship with The Independent Newspaper. Every morning, he’d walk a distance to get his favorite read, and little did I know, those walks weren’t just a testament to his love for news—they became the foundation of my love for words. In Grade 4 and Grade 5, my teacher assigned us a task: find something to read at home to improve our reading skills. With no children’s books around, I turned to my grandfather’s stack of old newspapers. What started as a school assignment soon became a daily habit. Not only did I learn to read fluently, but my English vocabulary and grammar grew leaps and bounds. But newspapers weren’t the only treasure in our home. My brother and grandfather had a collection of books from church—writings by Ellen G. W...

 "Sipping the Essence of Japan: My Journey into Tea Culture" Before moving to Japan, I was more of a juice girl. Tea? It was an afterthought, something I’d sip when flu season rolled around or when I needed a little lemon-ginger boost. Back in Zimbabwe, my tea choices rarely strayed beyond the occasional cup of rooibos or hibiscus, and even then, it was more about the color and aroma than an everyday ritual. Tea simply wasn’t a staple in my life. But oh, how things changed when I touched down in Japan! Japan, the land of endless vending machines, sakura-lined streets, and, as I quickly discovered, an unparalleled tea culture. Tea here is not just a drink—it’s an art form, a tradition, and a lifestyle. At first, I was bewildered. What were all these mysterious green and brown bottles I saw on my colleagues' desks? It wasn’t long before I learned they were filled with tea, and not just any tea—Japan’s beloved green tea, barley tea, and jasmine tea, to name a few. And here’s...

  The Cost of Pleasing Everyone: My Journey to Self-Love and Boundaries Growing up, I always wanted to be perfect in everyone’s eyes. I strived to tick all the boxes: good grades, clean chores, respectful demeanor. It wasn’t just about being a “good child”; it was about avoiding conflict, earning approval, and keeping the peace—even at the expense of my happiness. Looking back, I realize I was a textbook people-pleaser, a trait that shaped my relationships and self-worth in ways I couldn’t understand at the time. As a child, I thought pleasing everyone was my superpower. When friends at school bullied me, eating half of my lunch while spinning excuses like, “My mom didn’t pack me any,” I let it slide. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t true, but confronting them felt scarier than giving up my sandwich. It wasn’t just my friends—it happened at home too. I avoided sharing my true feelings, scared that doing so would make my family upset or angry with me. Fast forward to college, and the pat...

Discovering Donnel Mango: A Multifaceted ZimCreative on the Rise Zimbabwe’s creative scene is brimming with talent, and Donnel Mango is a shining example of what it means to be a true multidisciplinary artist. A singer, model, graphic designer, filmmaker, DJ, and fashionista, Donnel’s journey is as vibrant as the work he creates. With an unrelenting passion for the arts and a unique ability to weave his talents together, Donnel is not just a creative; he’s a visionary. Donnel’s passion for the arts was nurtured by a family steeped in creativity. Growing up under the wing of his uncle Leonard Mapfumo, the legendary musician behind “Two Chete,” Donnel was immersed in a world of music and artistry from an early age. “Being in the studio with my uncle ignited my passion for creativity,” Donnel shares. “He gave me my first big break, and I’ve been running with it ever since.” From graphic designing and videography for the NAMA Awards to projects for Dreamstar Zimbabwe, Donnel’s early foray ...

  A New Year, A New Chapter: Hello, 2025! As the clock struck midnight, welcoming 2025, I found myself reflecting on the whirlwind that was 2024. What a year it’s been—a year of discovery, growth, and breaking barriers. It wasn’t just another lap around the sun; it was a journey that redefined me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Looking back, I marvel at the courage it took to make the leap. Moving to Japan alone was one of the boldest steps of my life. The road was anything but smooth. It was a blend of triumphs and challenges, sprinkled with moments that tested my faith and resilience. But oh, how I grew! 2024 taught me to appreciate the art of communication—words spoken, unspoken, and written. I embraced writing like never before, pouring my heart into stories, lessons, and reflections. The result? My first book is on the horizon, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world. Living and working in a culture so different from my own stretched me in ways I didn’t exp...