In the heart of Zimbabwe’s ever-evolving entrepreneurial scene, Nyaradzo Moyo stands as a beacon of purpose-driven innovation. As the founder of Yanaya Lifestyle—Zimbabwe’s first exclusively healthy food bar—and the fresh new smoothie brand Smoovy, Moyo is redefining what it means to eat well, live well, and lead with intention.

What began as a deeply personal mission to honor a loved one’s legacy has grown into a movement grounded in health, healing, and cultural pride. Along the way, she’s earned accolades as a Gumiguru 30 Under 30 Emerging Leader and Megafest Pro Developmental Leader, while also championing women empowerment, youth mentorship, and community-driven agricultural initiatives like Kuguta Mission Gardens.

In this exclusive sit-down with My Afrika Magazine, Nyaradzo shares the story behind her bold beginnings, the tough pivots, and the spirited vision driving her to nourish not just bodies—but mindsets, communities, and futures.

MAM: Thank you for your time to chat with us. You have built an impressive career as an entrepreneur and marketing strategist. What inspired you to start Yanaya Lifestyle, and how has the journey been so far?
NM: Thank you so much for featuring me—this has truly been a long time coming. The inspiration behind Yanaya Lifestyle came from a deep personal place. I saw a glaring gap in the market for a fresh, locally rooted healthy food brand. A close friend of mine, who battled cancer, was advised to adopt a fruit-and-vegetable-based diet. After he passed, I wanted to honor his memory by creating a legacy rooted in health and healing. That experience, paired with my Adventist upbringing—a church that strongly promotes healthy living—formed the foundation of Yanaya.

The journey has been tough, exciting, and equally rewarding. We set out to build a blue ocean business model in an economy where most people have limited disposable income. That has presented a unique set of challenges, but also immense opportunities. We’ve been able to grow and evolve, thanks to a passionate, vibrant team of young people who believe in this vision.

MAM: That’s a powerful story—and it’s clear your passion has translated into impact. You’ve also received incredible recognition, like the Megafest Pro Developmental Leader and Gumiguru 30 under 30 awards. How have these honors influenced your leadership style?
NM: You’re absolutely right—these accolades are no small feat, and I’m deeply honored. With all the conversations around the validity of awards, I always go back to that famous quote:

“It is not the critic who counts… but the man in the arena.”

To be recognized, you must be in the arena—on the frontlines, facing challenges, solving problems, and showing up every single day. These awards remind me that leadership is about consistency, innovation, and staying close to your purpose. They’ve sharpened my resolve to remain agile, relevant, and deeply customer-focused in everything we do.

MAM: Launching the first healthy food bar in Zimbabwe is groundbreaking, especially in a market accustomed to fast food. What were some of the key lessons from introducing this concept to local consumers?
NM: Launching Zimbabwe’s first and only exclusively healthy food bar came with real challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was sustainability—keeping our doors open while offering a niche product in a price-sensitive market.

We initially launched with a casual dining model but quickly realized that running a brick-and-mortar setup came with high fixed costs. After three years, we had to close some of our branches—not out of failure, but to pivot and build smarter. We had grown organically, and our capital structure wasn’t designed for that level of overhead. That experience taught us the importance of adaptability and strategic reinvention.

MAM: Pivoting with purpose seems to be a recurring theme in your journey. With Smoovy now in the mix, what inspired this new direction, and how does it complement your original vision?
NM: Smoovy was born from the need to pivot while staying true to our mission—to redefine healthy eating and make it more accessible. It evolved from one of our flagship products, the Yanaya smoothies that our customers loved.

We established a factory and began producing a pre-bottled version, using the same nutritious formulas—locally sourced, sugar-free, and made from real fruits. Smoovy is not just a drink, it’s a movement. Every bottle represents connection—to wellness, to tradition, and to the belief that healthy can be fun, easy, and on-the-go. Our motto: Sip. Smile. Move.

MAM: It’s exciting to see Zimbabweans becoming more health-conscious. From your perspective, how has the public’s perception of plant-based eating evolved, and what influence has Yanaya had in that conversation?
NM: As a wake-up call. Health became a priority for many Zimbabweans, and that shift worked in our favor. People began to understand that health is wealth, and we were already positioned as a brand offering solutions to that very need.

Yanaya has become a trailblazer in shaping the plant-based narrative in Zimbabwe. We’ve shown that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or foreign—it can be bold, local, flavorful, and deeply African.

MAM: Empowering women seems to be woven into everything you do. How have you brought that advocacy into your business model and mentorship efforts?
NM: At Yanaya, we’ve embedded empowerment into our operations. 60% of our staff are women—this is intentional. I believe that when women are empowered, families and nations thrive.

Beyond employment, we also run a mentorship program focused on girls in STEM education. It’s my way of giving back and building a pipeline of bold, intelligent, and future-ready women leaders.

MAM: We’re also following the incredible work being done through Kuguta Mission Gardens. Can you share more about the project’s impact on youth and your role in shaping it?
NM: Thank you for keeping tabs on all the work we’re doing—it means a lot!

Kuguta Mission Gardens is a community project aimed at uplifting unemployed youth through practical agriculture and business training. We want to develop young people who are as comfortable working in Mbare as they are presenting in a boardroom.

We’ve been blessed to secure sponsorships that cover inputs, stipends, and training for a full-year cohort. It’s a hands-on program that’s not just about farming—it’s about creating well-rounded, purpose-driven entrepreneurs.

MAM: As someone deeply immersed in digital strategy, what would you say are the non-negotiables for today’s entrepreneurs trying to stand out and build sustainable brands online?
NM: Right now, the biggest cheat code is: learn AI. Seriously. The Internet of Things, automation, content tools—all of these are reshaping the marketing space.

My second tip? Hire young people. They’re tuned in to culture, tech, and digital behavior in real-time. Pair their insight with your strategy, and you’ll build a brand that doesn’t just exist—it connects.

MAM: You’ve already achieved so much, but it’s clear you’re not done yet. What’s next for Yanaya, Smoovy, and your other ventures?
NM: Our goal is regional expansion—we want to grow beyond Zimbabwe while strengthening the systems and structures that power our business.

We’ve just launched our exciting Bike & Blend campaign, where customers hop on bikes and blend their own smoothies using traditional Zimbabwean fruits. It’s fun, interactive, and deeply symbolic of our mission: to move, to nourish, to celebrate culture.

Ultimately, our biggest goal is simple: to survive and thrive. In a tough market, that alone is a win worth celebrating.

MAM: That’s incredibly inspiring. Lastly, for young Zimbabweans—especially women—who want to follow in your footsteps but are feeling uncertain or stuck, what words of encouragement would you leave them with?
NM: Just start. There’s no perfect time. No magic formula. No “ready” button. The best way to learn is by doing. Chase that dream with boldness, stay grounded in purpose, and go for gold.

You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just need to begin. John 2:5 “Do whatever he tells you.”