Mother, entrepreneur, changemaker: Raviroyashe Mpa...

Mother, entrepreneur, changemaker: Raviroyashe Mpasiri builds Ravy Organics on foundation of health and sustainability

Audrey Galawu

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Raviroyashe Mpasiri, known as Ravy, isn’t your average entrepreneur. Driven by a passion for healthy eating and sustainable practices, Ravy has carved a unique space in the organic food industry, blending her business acumen with a deep understanding of social anthropology.

Ravy’s journey began with a youthful entrepreneurial spirit, buying and reselling items during her high school days. This early spark foreshadowed her future path. However, it was her time in Kariba that truly ignited her passion for healthy eating. There, she discovered a treasure trove of indigenous fruits boasting exceptional nutritional value.

This discovery became the seed of Ravy Organics. Ravy embarked on a mission to research and unlock the potential of these forgotten foods, driven by a dual desire to promote healthy consumption and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 3, focused on ensuring food security and good health.

Ravy Organics is more than just a business; it’s a movement built on the pillars of sustainability, ethical consumption, and respect for both people and the planet. Ravy’s background in social anthropology informs her approach, ensuring cultural practices and social dynamics are considered throughout the value chain.

While managing a business brings its own rewards, it’s not without challenges. Ravy acknowledges the uncertainty and long hours that come with building a brand. Balancing work and family life is an ongoing struggle, especially in the early stages of growth. The competitive landscape and limited access to capital for machinery further complicate the journey.

However, amidst the challenges, there are moments of triumph. Seeing her vision come to life and empowering women farmers through knowledge sharing are some of Ravy’s greatest achievements. Ravy’s message to aspiring female entrepreneurs is one of self-belief, calculated risk-taking, and continuous learning. She emphasises the importance of networking and building a supportive community, along with maintaining a healthy work-life balance and setting boundaries.

Looking in the future, Ravy envisions Ravy Organics as a foundation for positive change. Her aspirations include investing in research and development, exploring innovative packaging solutions, and expanding production capacity. Community engagement through collaboration with NGOs, schools, and government agencies is another key pillar of her vision, alongside adopting renewable energy and sustainable waste management practices.

Ultimately, Ravy Organics seeks to become a leader in continuous innovation within the organic food industry.