They are bold, talented and beautiful.
If you think United States celebrities, the Kardashian girls, are trendsetting, innovative and creative, think again because business mogul Philip Chiyangwa’s daughters, Vanessa and Michelle, are the definition of class, both sassy with brains.
Forget about E Hollywood, Vuzu, Style and MTV channels because what you watch is already in happening in the country.
Interesting to note, though, the Kardashians are not in Zimbabwe, however their replica, the Chiyangwa daughters, are doing wonders. From sexy sultry lingerie, nipple tussles, sex toys, fake bums, free bra-breast-gels to hosting Peep Shows and cocktails, the Chiyangwas are taking Zimbabwe by storm.
Saturday Lifestyle caught up with the duo at their father’s palatial mansion in Borrowdale where their shops are located. In an interview the beautiful entrepreneurs proved that given a chance, women can run the world with their creative ideas.
Ellen Vanessa (27 years old)
Owner of a Peep Shop in Borrowdale said having grown up in a rich family it’s been great but people have a wrong perception about them. “I know people think we are mean and untouchable but it is completely the opposite because we are friendly and sociable. I don’t brag about being a Chiyangwa,” she said.
Vanessa, who spent 10 years in the United Kingdom, said Zimbabwe is the best place to be.
“Can you imagine I lived in a two-bedroomed house together with my husband? It is not the same as here where you have your own backyard among other things,” said the mother of two. Commenting on the issue of entrepreneurship, Vanessa said the idea of a Peep Store came about when she was pregnant.
“Women have been struggling to look trendy since the first female found fashion. I sell sexy sultry lingerie from nipple tussles, fake bums, free bra-gels, corsets, underwear, thongs, body shapers and stockings among others.
When I was pregnant I wasn’t sexy so I thought that the idea to look sexy is very important and that is why I focus on lingerie,” she explained. The former Diesel model said since she came back to Zimbabwe, her collection has received overwhelming responses from both women and men.
“I have hosted Peep Shows every Saturday where I have a chance to showcase and explain about my collection. It’s like a fashion show with models, and sometimes hosts the Peep Gentlemen Night which includes poker games, Fifa tournaments on big screens, and open bar among others while auctioning my ware. I am happy that my highest bidder paid US$400 for lingerie,” noted Vanessa.
She said she caters for every woman.
“I do bridal lingerie, bachelorette parties and sexy sultry lingerie for honeymooners. My prices are reasonable from US$10 to US$70. I have worked with local prominent ladies who also buy from my shop. The advertising and marketing masters degree holder said many marriages were actually being messed up because of lack of proper attire for a woman.
“Some may say the peep shops are for the elite but believe you me we all want to feel sexy,” she said. Her products are from Hong Kong, Vietnam and the Philippines. Juggling motherhood and business, Vanessa says: “It’s the hardest job in the world being a mom, but it’s also the best. I really love it because it keeps me going,”
Vanessa also designs handbags and is running with a collection called Lillian Gia Sas (LGS).
“I gave that name because of my late grandmother Lillian. The bags are compatible and trendy for mothers were everything can fit in. All these ideas came while I was pregnant,” she said.
She credits her strength to her sister Michelle whom she admires.
“She is young, brave. She had her trials and tribulations but she managed to keep the standards. Vanessa is married to Tanaka Chironga and they have two children, Malaik (2)and Aayanah (who is turning one next week). “I love sadza. Cooking for someone I love tends to bring out the culinary skills in me.
Just to show that she is indeed trendy, suave and has got class, she cruises around in a Range Rover Evoque SD4.
Michelle (24 years old)
Popularly known as Lady MC-Boss Lady, Michelle is a go-getter and is at the top of the game and as young as she is she admits that her passion lies in hair. “I now have my own hair parlour. I sell weaves and beauty products from Dubai ranging from US$50 to US$350,” she said.
Michelle, who also grew up in the UK, admits she has an obsession with hair. “I change my hairstyles every two weeks and have different hairstylists,” explained Michelle, who was spotting a Rihanna Mohawk hairstyle during the interview.
She ventured into business two years ago because she wanted to be independent. “I know you expect us guys to be spoilt everyday by our father, which it is not true. Yes, we are the Chiyangwas, but we have to work hard to get what we want,” she explained.
Michelle is single but not searching. “I am Miss Independent, single and sociable. I am focusing on my business and I want to create my own empire just like my father,” she said.
The lady boss likes to eat chicken, chips and burgers. And the, “slave to fashion” thing associated with the rich and famous seems to have gotten into her. She loves to wear stretch hugging dresses. “I love quality clothes just like my sister and hugging outfits are my favourites,” she said.
However, the duo said they were working on a project together but declined to give details. “Just know that we are here to stay and we are working on a project but I can’t tell you what it is,” said Michelle.
Just like the Kardashian sisters, the sisters said they once engaged in sibling rivalry. “When we were growing up, we had siblings’ rivalry like normal siblings. We were spoiled and we didn’t know each other well but with time we became best friends and supported each other,” said Vanessa. The Herald – Saturday Lifestyle
