HARARE-based gospel musician Ashley Kadawo has won an entrepreneur award at the OWIT Ecobank Marketplace Day, held last week on Saturday, at Ecobank’s Borrowdale headquarters in Harare as part of International Women’s Month celebrations.
The event, a collaboration between the Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Zimbabwe chapter and Ecobank’s Ellevate programme, provided a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services, with more than 200 exhibitors participating.
It aimed to empower women in business, foster community support and promote economic growth.
Among the notable guests were ambassadors from Turkey, Botswana, Tanzania, Cuba and Jamaica, as well as Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) chief executive officer Sekai Kuvarika.
The dignitaries adjudicated the exhibition stands and selected the top 20 businesses across three categories: grassroots, small-scale and medium-scale enterprises. Winners in each category received trophies from Ecobank, while 17 participants were awarded Ecobank accounts credited with US$200 to support their businesses.
In an interview with Standard Style, Kadawo attributed her success to authenticity and passion.
“My secret? It’s simple: authenticity and passion. I don’t just sell products; I share my journey, my pain, and my experience with eczema. People connect with that, and it’s helped build trust. Plus, using organic, plant-based ingredients shows I’m serious about what I put on my skin,” she said.
She described the recognition from Ecobank as a major milestone.
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“Ecobank’s recognition means everything. It’s validation that my hard work is paying off,” she said.
Kadawo added that she plans to expand her skincare brand, AshinerCare, through new product lines and strategic partnerships.
“Next, I’m expanding AshinerCare’s reach — more product lines, more partnerships, and amplifying our ‘we sell confidence’ message,” she said.
She revealed that her journey was not without challenges, including bullying and skepticism about her skin while growing up, as well as the lengthy process of developing effective skincare products.
“I faced many challenges. Bullying and skepticism about my skin growing up were tough, but they fueled me. Formulating products that actually work took time and patience,” she said.
“Overcoming that meant leaning into my ‘why’ — helping others like me.”
Kadawo encouraged fellow entrepreneurs to embrace their unique stories.
“Believe in your story. Your unique experience is your strength. Solve a real problem, stay authentic, and don’t be afraid to start small. Zimbabwe has opportunities — just go for it,” she said.
She noted that the award has significantly boosted her brand’s visibility.
“It boosted visibility. More people now know AshinerCare, and that means more confidence that we are changing lives. We’re getting inquiries, collaborations and serious interest — it’s time to scale,” she said.
Kadawo added that her brand seeks to transform the skincare narrative in Zimbabwe and beyond.
“AshinerCare is about changing the skincare narrative in Zimbabwe and beyond. More products, more partnerships, and keeping that confidence message going — we’re just getting started,” she said.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Kadawo is also making strides in music. She released her debut single, I Shine Last, last year, a song that reflects her journey of overcoming life’s challenges.
She previously worked as a backing vocalist for gospel musician Michael Mahendere before pursuing a solo career.
