IN today’s NewsDay Weekender Life & Style instalment, Tendai Sauta (ND) speaks to Beauty Hughes (BH), widely known as the “Recycling Queen”, a multi-award-winning creative whose work has transformed waste into functional art, from tyre-crafted furniture and garden vessels to children’s toys.
She is now stepping into environmental sustainability with Zero Carbon, Green Engine Solutions, an initiative targeting vehicle emissions in line with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
ND: Beauty, you are widely celebrated as the “Recycling Queen”. Can you tell us about your journey into art and how recycling became central to your identity?
BH: I started in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown period and formally registered Dollar Deals Manufacturers in 2021.
I was motivated by the growing problem of discarded tyres and scrap metal.
I began transforming waste into durable, functional products such as indoor and outdoor furniture.
My work gained visibility through exhibitions and trade platforms, leading to recognition and awards.
I also train inmates through the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service as part of rehabilitation programmes.
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This journey shaped my identity as a recycler, designer and innovator.
ND: Your work includes tyre seats, garden vessels and toys. How did these evolve into a sustainable business model?
BH: I shifted from low-value disposal methods, such as burning waste, to producing durable, customised products.
This added value, created income streams and supported a more sustainable approach to waste management.
ND: As a multi-award-winning creative, what milestones shaped your career?
BH: Key recognitions include the Women in Manufacturing Award (2022), Best SME Innovation Award (2023), Women in Innovation Award (2023), and Women in Innovation Excellence Award (2025).
These milestones validated my work and encouraged me to expand into environmental innovation.
ND: What inspired your move into Zero Carbon, Green Engine Solutions?
BH: I was motivated by the environmental impact of carbon build-up in engines and increasing respiratory health concerns.
The initiative focuses on detecting and removing carbon deposits to improve engine efficiency and reduce emissions.
It also seeks to contribute to environmental protection and sustainable agriculture outcomes.
ND: How does your initiative align with Zimbabwe’s NDS1 targets?
BH: It complements national efforts by promoting emission reduction in existing vehicles.
I encourage motorists to retain catalytic converters, which reduce toxic gases, and to maintain engines properly.
This supports cleaner transport while the country transitions to electric vehicles.
ND: Why is it important for citizens to understand vehicle emission risks?
BH: Emissions affect public health, environmental sustainability and national climate targets.
Awareness helps individuals make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and environmental responsibility.
ND: How does carbon build-up affect vehicles and the environment?
BH: It reduces fuel efficiency, increases running costs and causes engine wear.
Environmentally, it contributes to air pollution and climate change.
ND: Your initiative includes repurposing carbon residue into fertiliser. How does this work?
BH: The process converts carbon into a stable form that may support soil health and crop productivity.
ND: What is your message to motorists removing catalytic converters?
BH: Removing them increases harmful emissions significantly.
Motorists should maintain and clean converters rather than remove them for short-term financial gain.
ND: How will you raise awareness?
BH: Through media campaigns and educational materials.
ND: Are there partnerships supporting your initiative?
BH: Not at present.
ND: What are your future plans?
BH: I aim to scale the initiative nationwide and advocate for policies supporting engine decarbonisation, working with relevant ministries to improve environmental and public health outcomes.
