Shelly Bent is a shining example of resilience, compassion, and leadership. Born in Zimbabwe and now a devoted mother, successful entrepreneur, and advocate, Shelly has dedicated her life to empowering individuals and creating positive change in her community. From her role as a Japanese head therapist to her work as a fitness and lifestyle coach, Shelly’s passion for wellness and personal growth shines through every endeavor.

Crowned as Universal Woman Zimbabwe 2024, she has used this platform to amplify her advocacy for mental health and substance abuse awareness, becoming a voice of hope for those who feel unheard. Her commitment to fostering unity, healing, and empowerment is guided by the philosophy, “Empowering others, empowering myself.”

In this exclusive interview with My Afrika Magazine (MAM), Shelly Bent (SB) shares her journey of inspiration, her dedication to her community, and her vision for leaving a lasting legacy as a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe and beyond.

MAM: Shelly, your journey is truly inspiring, from being a devoted mother and business owner to an advocate for mental health and substance abuse awareness. What personal experiences or moments in your life motivated you to champion these causes?

SB: My journey to becoming an advocate for mental health and substance abuse awareness is deeply personal and rooted in my own experiences.

Witnessing my family struggle with addiction and mental health issues. The divorce between my parents, The mental/ physical harm and turmoil that was displayed in certain family members relationship, and the pain and struggles my special brother went through with substance abuse all took a toll on our family’s well-being. I felt helpless and unsure of how to navigate these challenges at times.

One of the most pivotal moments in my life was when my son passed away 8 hours after delivery just after I had met him for the first time shortly after he was called home to be our angel. The grief and pain that followed that not only for me was something unexplainable and overwhelming, and at first, I had to navigate how to cope while still living everyday life because life does go on. I realized then that I needed to find healthy ways to help myself and to move forward.

Through my own journey of healing, I discovered the importance of mental health support, self-care, and community. I learned that I wasn’t alone in my struggles and the more I spoke about it the more support I was being and healing at the same time.

However, I also realized that many people in my community lacked access to these resources like my family because of financial strain. They struggled in silence, ashamed or afraid to seek help or can’t afford it or don’t even know where or who to turn too. This realization sparked a fire within me to make a difference because I have been there and have had to live through a lot of different circumstances.

I decided to use my platform as a pageant queen, business owner, and community leader to raise awareness about mental health and substance abuse. I wanted to help break the stigma surrounding these issues and provide support and build our community so those affected don’t feel lost or helpless.

Through my advocacy work, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with individuals and families who have been impacted by mental health and substance abuse. Their stories, struggles, and triumphs have inspired me to continue this important work and to raise my voice even louder not for me or my name or any gain but for the VOICELESS.

My personal experiences have taught me that healing, growth, and transformation are possible. I want to help others find the same hope, support, and healing.

MAM: As a beauty therapist and fitness and lifestyle coach, you focus on wellness and empowerment. How do these roles align with your mission to create positive change, and what impact have you seen on the lives of your clients?

SB: As a beauty therapist, fitness and lifestyle coach, I’m deeply passionate about wellness practices to empower individuals on their journey to holistic well-being.

My roles align perfectly with my mission to create positive change in several ways:

• By combining beauty therapy, fitness and lifestyle coaching, I address the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and mental well-being, fostering a deeper sense of balance and harmony in my clients.
• I educate my clients on the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and intentional living, empowering them to take ownership of their well-being and make informed choices that positively impact their lives.

The impact I’ve seen on the lives of my clients has been profoundly rewarding:

• Clients have reported significant reductions in stress and anxiety levels, attributed to the holistic approach and mindfulness practices I teach.
• Through fitness and lifestyle coaching, clients have achieved weight loss, improved body composition, and enhanced overall physical well-being.
• Beauty therapy and wellness practices have helped clients develop a more positive body image, boosting confidence and self-esteem
• Witnessing these transformations has been a privilege, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of my clients.

MAM: Congratulations on being crowned Universal Woman Zimbabwe 2024! How has this platform allowed you to amplify your advocacy work, and what initiatives have you launched or supported to promote mental health and wellness?

SA: I’ve been passionate about creating positive change in my community, and this title has enabled me to amplify my message and reach a wider audience. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with organizations and individuals who share my vision, and together, we’re making a tangible impact.

Being crowned Universal Woman Zimbabwe 2024 has been a tremendous honor and a valuable opportunity to amplify my advocacy work. This platform has given me a louder voice to speak out on issues that are close to my heart, particularly mental health and substance abuse awareness.

I have so many different projects coming up that I am still working on, and I am so excited for when they all are showcase soon.

I’ve used my title to bring attention to the importance of mental health and substance abuse awareness. Through media appearances, public speaking engagements, and social media campaigns, I’ve reached a wider audience and helped to reduce stigma around these issues.

I’ve partnered with organizations that provide mental health and substance abuse services, helping to amplify their work and provide resources to those in need. Launched initiatives aimed at promoting mental health and substance abuse awareness, such as workshops, support groups, and online campaigns. I use my platform to advocate for the support of mental health and substance abuse treatment, including sponsorship for services and reduced stigma around seeking help.

Some specific initiatives I’ve launched or supported include:

• I ran a mental health and substance abuse awareness campaign that provides support for individuals struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse to show the reality of it and how as a community we can still have Hope standing together united.
• A support group for individuals and families affected by substance abuse, providing a safe space for sharing experiences and finding support.
• Social media campaign aimed at reducing stigma around mental health and substance abuse, encouraging individuals to share their stories and seek help without fear of judgment.

Overall, being Universal Woman Zimbabwe 2024 has given me a powerful platform to make a positive impact on my community and beyond. I’m committed to continuing this important work and inspiring others to join me in promoting mental health and substance abuse awareness.

MAM: Your entrepreneurial journey and leadership have inspired many. What advice would you give to young women in Zimbabwe and beyond who aspire to start their own businesses or lead impactful lives?

SB: As a woman who has navigated the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship and leadership, I’m honored to share my advice with young women in Zimbabwe and beyond:

Embracing Authenticity and Resilience: 1. Stay true to yourself authenticity is key to building trust and credibility. Don’t try to emulate others; instead, find your unique voice and perspective. 2. Develop resilience entrepreneurship and leadership can be challenging. Learn to bounce back from setbacks, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Empowering Education and Networking: 1. Invest in your education continuously learn and upskill to stay relevant in your industry. 2. Build a strong network and surround yourself with mentors, peers, and role models who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement.

Fostering Innovation and Adaptability: Be innovative by thinking creatively, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and stay adaptable be open to change and be willing to pivot when necessary.

Cultivating Self-Care and Mindfulness: 1. Prioritize self-care take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. 2. Practice mindfulness stay present, focused, and calm, even amid chaos.

Leading with Purpose and Passion: 1. Discover your purpose identify your why, and let it drive your decisions and actions. 2. Lead with passion share your enthusiasm and energy with others and inspire them to join you on your journey.

Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Failure: 1. Face your fears don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing your dreams. 2. Learn from failure view failure as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.

To all in Zimbabwe and beyond, I want to leave you with a message of hope and empowerment

You have the power to create the life you desire. Your voice matters, and your perspective is unique. Don’t be afraid to take risks, challenge the status quo, and push beyond your comfort zone. Remember that success is not a solo journey; surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Go out there and do better. The world needs your brilliance, passion, and leadership.

MAM: Your personal philosophy, “Empowering others, empowering myself,” is profound. How do you incorporate this belief into your daily life and community work, and what legacy do you hope to leave for future generations?

SB: My personal philosophy, “Empowering others, brings Hope and healing through unity as a community.” is a guiding principle that permeates every aspect of my life and work. Here’s how I incorporate this belief into my daily life and community work:

I actively seek out opportunities to mentor and support individuals, who are seeking guidance and empowerment.

I make a conscious effort to listen deeply to others, understanding their struggles and aspirations, and offering support and guidance where needed. I prioritize self-reflection, recognizing that my own growth and empowerment are essential to empowering others.

In the community I partner with organizations and individuals who share my commitment to empowerment, amplifying our collective impact and creating a ripple effect of positive change.

I use my voice to advocate for my cause in bringing awareness and support to mental health and substance abuse.

The legacy I hope to leave for future generations is one of empowerment, compassion, and transformation. I envision a world where:

Empowerment is a birthright every individual has access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive. Compassion is a guiding principle empathy, kindness, and understanding are the foundation of all relationships and interactions. Transformation is a continuous process individuals, communities, and societies are committed to ongoing growth, learning, and evolution.

Ultimately, my legacy is not about what I achieve, but about the positive impact I have on the lives of others. I hope to inspire future generations to embrace the philosophy of “Empowering others, bring back Hope and healing through unity as a community.” creating a world where everyone can thrive no matter who you are or where you are from.

My legacy is not about me! I have always said if no-one knows my name but knows my Advocacy and that i have changed or Impacted people’s lives and what I stand for as a Queen for Zimbabwe then I have left my everlasting legacy and footprint of HOPE.

I AM A QUEEN WITH A PURPOSE, THE VOICE TO THE VOICELESS. I believe we can be the community of Hope!

Thank you for all the support, Zimbabwe I can’t wait to bring home the crown God willing not for me but for Zimbabwe.