Our #MCM is Tinashe Zano, a Chartered Accountant turned Entrepreneur and Founder of Nspire, a burgeoning sneaker brand making waves in the industry.
The journey of Nspire started from the personal challenges, of founder Tinashe, raised in rural areas by a single mother and his grandparents, witnessed the struggles of children who couldn’t afford shoes and were exposed to unsanitary conditions. In response, Tinashe made a commitment: for every Nspire sneaker sold, a portion of the earnings would be used to provide shoes for underprivileged school children.
Tinashe’s entrepreneurial spirit traces back to his upbringing with his grandparents, engaging in farming and selling produce at markets from a young age. Despite early attempts at various ventures during university, such as tutoring and event planning, Tinashe’s passion for sneakers ultimately steered him towards his current path.
“When I was in high school, my love for sneakers naturally carved my current entrepreneurial journey,” Tinashe shares, reflecting on the roots of his business.
The inspiration behind focusing on sneakers as a business choice stemmed from Tinashe’s experience at a rural primary school, where many children lacked footwear. Witnessing the children borrowing shoes for basic needs left a lasting impression, motivating him to make a difference. For every five pairs of shoes sold, Nspire pledges to donate one pair of school shoes through their giving partner, Samaritan Fee SA.
The brand name, Nspire, is derived from the word “INSPIRE,” signifying the mission to make individuals feel empowered to pursue their dreams while contributing to social impact. Tinashe articulates the essence of Nspire’s community-building approach, saying, “We are building a community for anyone who wears our product and is encouraged to follow their dreams at the same time giving back. Therefore, we say #Wear your Impact.”
Discussing the business model, Tinashe highlights that Nspire sneakers are available at a discounted price of R999.99, inclusive of shipping within South Africa, for pre-orders on their website or via Whatsapp.
Tinashe’s business motto, “Wear your Impact,” encapsulates the core philosophy of Nspire as a social enterprise dedicated to making a positive difference in the community. Despite facing challenges in team building and securing funding, Tinashe remains committed to expanding the Nspire brand, adding apparel to their product line, and opening their first store within a year.
When asked about potential collaborations, Tinashe expresses the desire to work with individuals or brands that share courage and ambition. While local brands aligning with Nspire’s values are the preference, Tinashe remains open to exciting opportunities that may unfold over time.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Tinashe emphasizes the importance of passion and purpose, advising to align business ideas with personal values. He advocates for problem-first ideation, urging entrepreneurs to identify and address real-world problems effectively.
Beyond the business realm, Tinashe unwinds by indulging in his deep passion for nature through activities like hiking. Drawing inspiration from successful entrepreneurs, he finds solace in watching “Shark Tank” episodes and listening to interviews featuring business leaders.
As Nspire continues to make strides in the sneaker industry, Tinashe Zano remains a beacon of inspiration for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys, proving that dedication, passion, and a commitment to social impact can lead to remarkable success.
Visit their website: Nspire (nspiresa.com)
Credit: konvenientmag.co.za
