‘Slay queen Chido’ speaks on TV character, beauty bar

By The NewsDay | Mar 20, 2021 | 4 Min read

BY KIMBERLY KARIATI TALENTED actress-cum-business woman Violet Sibanda says she has always fought hard against the odds to break her family’s poverty cycle by starting a make-up business. Sibanda, who is also the founder of Zitar Beauty Bar, later ventured into the world of showbiz, featuring on Isithembu, a local drama series that premiered on […]

BY KIMBERLY KARIATI

TALENTED actress-cum-business woman Violet Sibanda says she has always fought hard against the odds to break her family’s poverty cycle by starting a make-up business.

Sibanda, who is also the founder of Zitar Beauty Bar, later ventured into the world of showbiz, featuring on Isithembu, a local drama series that premiered on the national television station in December last year as slay queen Chido.

Description

I am a self-made make-up artist, influencer and actress driven by the need to break out of poverty.

Growing up, I always believed that education is the key to unlocking financial doors such that when my parents could not afford fees for my university education, I felt I needed to be independent in order to finance my education. I started scouting for acting and business opportunities.

Social media became an easy way out for me as I started watching YouTube videos on how to do make-up and make money.

I realised I had a passion for being a make-up artist more than I ever imagined and decided to approach it with a business mind so that I could get fees money. Fortunately, it worked out for me.

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Occupation

I am into cosmetics, image consultancy and designing. I run a lot of businesses and I am also the founder of Zitar Beauty Bar, which is a brand name for my make-up business.

As an influencer, I am passionate about young women aspiring to be independent, so I teach them how to reach a large retail audience through social media.

I am also an actress and I am part of the cast in Isithembu broadcast on ZBC-TV every Sunday at 9pm.

Education

Although I am a second year student at Midlands State University, I feel like enrolling at this institution has helped me gain knowledge about the importance of social media, as well as how the film and broadcasting sector works.

I think the entertainment industry is entwined with acting and image consultants.

It has equipped me with knowledge of how to present a message in such a way that your audience understands it in the way you want them to.

Inspiration

The story of my life inspires me so much, so I live to do better every day.

I come from a family that is not so privileged, so we work hard to get anything we want. I know how it is to need something and not be able to get it.

I have come to realise that my future is in my hands and I have the capacity to shape my life.

Occupational challenges

There is so much negativity around my work and my name. I have been cyber-bullied and with the “slay queen trend”, even at college I am misunderstood because of how I dress.

However, I am someone who takes criticism as a sign that I am visible and some feel challenged by me.

Lifestyle

I am a proud African woman who is proud of her roots. Ever since I started my career, I have made it clear that I come from the ghetto (Norton) and I am grinding and thriving so hard to make it big.

What you see on social media is my daily life. I want my followers to see me grow and feel inspired by me without faking it.

Creations

I have done make-up for celebrities such as Samantha Mary Musa, better known as MisRed. I also took part in Miss Carnival beauty pageants held at Midlands State University, where I was the face of the event and I also did make up on the models.

Acting

I did theatre at Vimbai Secondary School in Norton, where I did my Advanced Level. Therefore, acting has always been a passion.

I contacted Zolile Makeleni, the producer of Isithembu, before it was even thought of. I was called for an interview, but I could not audition for any projects he was working on in 2019 since I had gathered enough funds to enrol at university.

So, Isithembu is just a continuation of that conversation we had before and that is how I got the role of the slay queen Chido, who identifies rich people and knows her way around town more than anyone else.

Future ambition

I want to venture into digital marketing as I have a huge following on social media, particularly Instagram.

I also want to do content creation and take image consultancy to the next level by dressing celebrities.

Isithembu is just a stepping stone as I love being on set as a television personality.