Graduate makes living through washing people’s clothes

As universities continue to churn out graduates which the job market is failing to absorb, a 25-year-old Masvingo university graduate has created her own employment and is making a living through doing people’s laundry.

Prudence Paradza said after realising that she could not find work after graduating with an Honours Degree in Development Studies from Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) in 2023, she could no longer continue burdening her parents who had other responsibilities and came up with the idea that has since transformed her life for the better.

“After graduation, I discovered that it was difficult to secure employment and I saw that I could not continue burdening my parents so I realised that I could use the home washing machine to make few dollars. I have since realised that it’s paying off.

“I do washing, folding, ironing, steaming and removing stains on clothes. Since I do not have a scale, I do charge per load, which consists of 20-25 items which I charge US$8.

“I use my washing powder and fabric softener but if the client has their own they want me to use then I use that,” said Paradza.

Paradza is currently operating from home in Mucheke B but she said if her clientele grows she will consider renting a new place in town.

“The business is running smoothly, I have many clients and am currently operating from home but I am looking forward to get a place in town. I have discovered that some clients are not comfortable bringing their clothes at home so I think getting a place in town will make it easy for them.

She said the clients bring their clothes to her and she is also ready to collect if the client cannot deliver them.

She said the way her business was flowing smoothly gives her energy to want to keep on doing more as it capacitated her not to keep on depending on her mother, and she said was ready to do whatever it takes for her success.

“It feels good knowing that you don’t depend on anyone and it gives you the courage to keep pushing. I am prepared to put extra effort so that I can make my hustle bigger.

“Some clients are not comfortable to bring their clothes in Mucheke, that’s why I am pushing so that I can operate in town, Electricity is another challenge as I am forced to wash during the night when electricity is back,” said Paradza.

For business inquiries, Paradza can be reached at +263 77 322 4451