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Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Senior Lifestyle Writer

Images of former Studio 263 actress cum businesswoman Tinopona “Tin-Tin” Katsande strapping her baby while selling eggs from a car boot recently went viral and touched hearts of many.

The photo grid of Tin-Tin the vendor and Tin-Tin the actress, were meant to give social media trolls a field day and cause generate traffic.

However, the intentions of the originators of the photo-grid turned out to be a blessing to the phenomenal actress.

Barely 24 hours after the photos had been uploaded with a sickening caption, Tin Tin had already made a killing as fellows in showbiz, friends and the well-heeled placed orders to buy her eggs.

Owing to the enormous demand of her eggs, she had to out-source more eggs to meet demand and one of the people who publicly supported Tin-Tin’s egg business hustle was Presidential spokesperson Mr George Charamba.

To date, many people are still placing orders to support the hard working mother of two’s flourishing business.

Unlike most of her peers who would not have the courage to embark on such business that used to be despised, Tin-Tin continues to win more praises with each passing day.

Suprisingly, Tin-Tin said some of the stories being told by some media agencies was not true, from how she is getting the eggs and profits. 

The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle tracked the multi-tasking celebrity who opened up on her booming business.

She went straight to how she was inspired to start the egg business at a time when most of her peers in showbiz have lost their sources of income due to Covid-19 lockdown.

“The need to feed your children and provide for your family will spur any mother to get up and do something about it, I believe,” said Tin-Tin. “That’s exactly why I decided to sell the few eggs that I had. 

“I was actually inspired by my nephew Michael who had been doing eggs through his company Rent-A-Hen.” 

Following the demand of her eggs, Tin-Tin has since created synergies with breeders so that she meets her orders.

“I will keep my crates source a trade secret for now,” she said.

Tin-Tin” holds her baby while selling eggs.

“So far, I have managed to pull together some women poultry farmers who are already established egg suppliers to support my demand, while I strategically map a way forward with solid big corporate brands to stabilise and legitimise ‘Mazai kwaTino’ as a registered and successful egg business empire. 

“There is no farm, it began in a back yard and now it’s a collection of women and youth trying to feed our families.” 

With her business venture seemingly rewarding, Tin-Tin cleared the air regarding her future in showbiz.

“Well, as an artist one never really leaves the arts industry. I’m Tin-Tin, everything I am is an art form.

“I am multifaceted and like any Zimbabwean I pivot and hustle while pursuing my passion,” she said while dispelling any chances of quitting the industry.

Despite being affected by the current lockdown, she said she would not throw in the towel.

“We are making movies, live shows, creating music and painting under any circumstances,” she said. 

“The only thing we need is for people to believe in a dream and pursue it relentlessly.”

Tin-Tin has vowed to continue working for her family, saying she was only performing her motherly roles with pride.

“I am a mother and a partner,” she said. “Like any other Zimbabwean woman, I am doing what I can legitimately to feed my family and get my kids the best education as my parents did for me.” 

Tin-Tin conceded that her daily routine was demanding, but vowed to solider on.

“My kids wake me up like clockwork by 6am everyday, so like it or not my day starts at 6am everyday,” she said.

“I sleep by 12 midnight every day. In between those hours is a collage of home schooling, house chores, errands, meals, play and sleep time, cries, laughs, hugs and kisses all fitted in a days work.

“Being a full time mom to two boys I realised that attempting to stick to a tight schedule just doesn’t work. I think every mom can relate to that. 

“I have regular customers and walk ins so it varies. Each day is an adventure, each day is growth for me in my entrepreneurial journey; each day is progression.” 

Asked who her role model was and the influence they had, she explained: 

“My father. He started his business delivering thatching grass by bicycle. He preserved and built a multi-million-dollar business. It’s in my blood.”

Apart from her egg business, Tin-Tin opened up on her new ventures.

“I have been talking to my family, playing with my children and grieving,” she said. “My father died earlier on this year and it takes time to process it.”

Although Tin-Tin appears settled now, she said she would not read much on social media trolls.

“I do not do toxicity,” she said. 

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, I don’t need to justify my life to anyone. 

“I am Tinopona Katsande and I live my life on my terms.” 

She vowed to continue participating in the arts while she commits herself to motherhood for now.

On the challenges she faces, Tin-Tin said: “Growing a business is challenging. I am competing in a tough business environment and starting up. 

“Any change in the price of feed, veterinary supplies, transport affects my bottom line so every day I wake up and pound the streets for the lowest deals while I forge ahead expanding my own.” 

Tin-Tin shared with her followers some of her secrets.

“I’m a foodie,” she said. 

“I eat anything and everything as long as it doesn’t kill me. Unfortunately, a chronic illness of endometriosis and a very poor eating habit system don’t help me ever becoming a fuller voluptuous Shona African woman.

“I’m a skinny girl by nature so being bullied because I’m thin is something I’ve got accustomed to all my life. I hardly exercise intentionally because I don’t want to get that masculine look.”