Caroline Rutendo Sango's Medicine and Makeup Art M...

Caroline Rutendo Sango's Medicine and Makeup Art Mix

Patience Muchemwa- Senior Reporter

Caroline Rutendo Sango, a 30-year-old pharmacist, entrepreneur, wife, and mother, is a remarkable example of resilience and determination. Born Caroline Rutendo Munjeri, she embraced the surname Sango after marrying at the age of 23.

She is not only a dedicated healthcare professional but also a certified makeup artist. With a strong bond with her mother, who is her only parent, Caroline’s relationship with her has been a guiding force throughout her career and life.

Her journey to becoming a pharmacist wasn’t a straightforward one. Initially, Caroline dreamed of becoming a doctor. However, with 13 points at A-Level, she was unable to pursue a medical degree.

Pharmacy became the next best option, a decision that initially felt like a compromise. But over time, Caroline grew to love her profession, finding fulfilment in helping patients make informed health choices.

She credits much of her growth and motivation to her husband and mother, who encouraged her every step of the way. "They pushed the dream until it became reality," she reflects.

As an entrepreneur, Caroline quickly learned that success in retail pharmacy wasn’t just about profits—it required trust, consistency, and resilience. "You don’t just open a business today and start making profits," she explains.

"You first need to build clientele, and usually, people are very sensitive about their health and who they trust with their personal information." She remembers the tough early days when she had no sales or only a few dollars in revenue.

However, her persistence paid off when sales grew, and she recalls how a US$4 day was followed by a US$13 day, which brought her immense joy.

Professionality was key in establishing her business’s reputation. Recognising the need for solid business acumen, Caroline earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the Graduate School of Business Leadership. This qualification helped her navigate the corporate world and manage her business effectively.

The most fulfilling aspect of her work is the feedback she receives from clients. "I find fulfilment in the clients who always come to let me know how they feel better after I have treated them or after counseling them," she shares. But her job also comes with emotional challenges, especially when patients pass away.

"Sometimes I lose my clients to death, and it’s quite heartbreaking," she admits. Yet, despite these setbacks, Caroline remains deeply committed to her profession, knowing that her work positively impacts the lives of many.

Balancing the demanding hours of retail pharmacy with family life is not easy. "Your children need you, your husband needs you, you have chores," Caroline acknowledges.

Over time, she has learned to delegate tasks to trusted individuals, recognising that "you can never have it all." This approach has helped her manage her career and home life effectively.

When she's not working, Caroline enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her favourite destinations are the Eastern Highlands, especially Vumba and Nyanga, where she loves to relax and unwind. She also enjoys spending time with her two sons, playing chess, swimming, and having indoor picnics. Personal space is essential to her too.

"I enjoy the time I’m alone, whether with my phone, my thoughts, sightseeing, engaging with nature, or stargazing," she says. A special part of her life is her mother, with whom she enjoys long, meaningful conversations.

Growing up with a single mother, Caroline learned to be independent and strong. Her mother’s mantra, "Mumba muno hamuna murume saka hatigare ne bulb rakatsva tichiti hapana murume anorichinja," taught her not to rely on anyone but herself.

This philosophy instilled in Caroline a belief that gender should never limit one’s ambitions. "Gender is just a form of identification, but it doesn’t limit you to becoming who you want to be," she says, encouraging women and girls to break barriers.

Caroline draws inspiration from women who have defied societal expectations, such as Tanzania’s first female president, Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan, as well as Zimbabwean politicians like Hon. Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, and Hon. Tatenda Mavetera.

"I hope they will inspire a woman, a girl child, to become a better person in society," she reflects.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is simple but powerful: "The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step."

Caroline encourages others to take small, consistent steps toward their goals, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. "Giving up is not an option," she says with conviction.

Caroline Rutendo Sango’s story is one of resilience, growth, and overcoming challenges. From initially feeling unsure about her career choice to becoming a successful pharmacist and entrepreneur, she proves that passion, perseverance, and hard work can lead to greatness.