We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ernest Gundo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ernest thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The Chronicles of Ernest Gundo-A Journey in Progress

In the heart of Zimbabwe a spirit of ambition flows through the land, a young dreamer named Ernest Gundo walks a path filled with both challenges and possibilities. At 17, he is an aspiring entrepreneur, a student, and an athlete, trying to navigate the complexities of growth and learning. He learns at a prestegious school in Marondera, where he works to improve his academic standing, to the humble soil of Gundo Village, where his roots run deep, Ernest is constantly searching for ways to bridge tradition and the future. He has seen the struggles of his people and the potential of his homeland, and he hopes to one day contribute to something meaningful—whether in business, innovation, or community development.

Exploring Business, Facing Reality

Fine Brothers, his parent company, is still in its early stages, with several ideas in progress but many challenges still ahead. His ventures include:

Hailey Jordany, a fashion brand he hopes to build into something significant. Tectonic Honey, an initiative in sustainable beekeeping that is yet to take off. Dynasty Design, a creative business focused on logos and banners, currently in its starting phase. Geoli Street, a food outlet idea that remains a long-term goal. Jordany Junction, an online store still in development.

Despite the plans, progress is slow, and obstacles continue to arise. Marketing strategies are being tested, finances remain a hurdle, and there is much to learn about building a lasting brand. The journey is not easy, and there is no guarantee of success—but the process itself is shaping him.

Beyond business, he is a man of faith, striving to align his actions with his beliefs. As a member of the Apostolic Faith Church, he finds strength in his spirituality, knowing that his journey is not just about material success but also about personal growth and integrity.

Lessons from the Struggle

Ernest’s path has been marked by setbacks. Struggles in Form 3 tested his confidence, and academic improvement remains an ongoing effort. He has faced doubts, failures, and moments of uncertainty, but he continues to push forward.

Sports provide an escape and a lesson in perseverance. Hockey has taught him discipline, teamwork, and the ability to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. On the field, he faces challenges just as he does in life—learning that success is not instant, but earned through effort and resilience.

Additionally, debate has helped him refine his reasoning, while Design & Technology gives him a space to create. Through all of this, Bible study remains a source of guidance, reminding him to stay grounded and patient.

Looking Ahead

Ernest Gundo’s journey is far from complete. His dreams remain just that—dreams, waiting to be realized through effort, strategy, and perseverance. The Subway Village project is a distant vision, his bakery and fragrance collection are ideas still in the planning stage, and his businesses have yet to gain strong traction. But he remains determined.

By year’s end, he hopes to make significant progress, not necessarily in achieving major success, but in learning, adapting, and growing. He is not building an empire yet—he is simply trying to find his way, learning from failures, and striving to create something worthwhile.

And so, the chronicles continue.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Summary of Ernest Gundo & Fine Brothers

Ernest Gundo is a 17-year-old Zimbabwean entrepreneur, student, and athlete currently studying at a school in Marondera. He is the founder of Fine Brothers, a parent company overseeing multiple ventures, including Hailey Jordany (fashion), Tectonic Honey (sustainable honey production), Dynasty Design (graphic design), Geoli Street (food outlet), and Jordany Junction (online store).

His businesses focus on innovation, sustainability, and community impact, aiming to bridge tradition with modern entrepreneurship. As a devoted member of the Apostolic Faith Church, his faith guides his work, ensuring integrity and purpose in everything he does.

Beyond business, Ernest is a hockey player, debater, and creative thinker who values resilience, adaptability, and long-term vision. Despite facing challenges, he remains committed to building a lasting legacy and inspiring others through his journey.

This is just the beginning of his story, and he welcomes partnerships and support from those who share his vision.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I first arrived at School in Form 1, I was just another new student trying to find my place. But from the start, I was looked down upon—whether it was because of my background, my personality, or simply the way I carried myself. I was eager, maybe too eager at times, and in trying to fit in, I made mistakes—stupid mistakes.

I was laughed at, disrespected, and often not taken seriously. Some people saw me as someone who would never amount to much. Form 2 was no different. I kept making errors, and the reputation I built wasn’t the one I wanted. My confidence took hit after hit. It felt like no matter what I did, I couldn’t escape the image people had of me.

By the time I got to Form 3, things got even worse academically. My grades were slipping, and the pressure to improve weighed on me. The doubt from others started to sink in, and I even began doubting myself.

But then I made a decision—I refused to stay the person they thought I was.

I took control of my life. I started working harder, thinking smarter, and embracing discipline. I began to focus on my strengths—business, hockey, debate, and design—and used them to build a better version of myself. My efforts in hockey started paying off, and I began making the team, proving that I had the skill and the determination to compete. I learned to ignore the noise, to take every insult and turn it into motivation. My faith in God played a huge role, reminding me that my worth is not defined by others’ opinions but by my actions and perseverance.

Today, I’m still growing, still learning. But the difference is, now I command respect through my work and my resilience. I no longer seek approval—I earn it. The boy they mocked in Form 1 and 2 is now the young man building something greater than himself.

And I’m just getting started.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Success is never accidental—it is the result of learning, discipline, and the ability to adapt. Along my journey, a few key resources have profoundly shaped my management and entrepreneurial thinking, helping me build a mindset focused on strategy, financial intelligence, and resilience.

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

This book transformed the way I think about money and business. It taught me that financial education is more powerful than academic success alone. The contrast between the “rich dad” (who understood investments, assets, and financial freedom) and the “poor dad” (who believed in working for money rather than making money work for him) made me rethink everything. From this book, I learned:

The importance of assets—building businesses instead of just earning salaries. How the rich stay wealthy—by investing in things that generate income. Why financial literacy is key—because money flows to those who understand how to use it.

This book planted the seed of entrepreneurship in me, pushing me to build businesses like Hailey Jordany, Tectonic Honey, and Dynasty Design, instead of just relying on a job in the future.

2. The Art of War by Sun Tzu

While this is a book on military strategy, its lessons apply perfectly to business and leadership. It teaches how to:

Think strategically, not just reactively. Turn weaknesses into strengths. Win without unnecessary conflict.

Business, much like war, is about making the right moves at the right time. This book helped me plan ahead and approach my ventures with a tactical mindset, always thinking two steps ahead.

3. YouTube & Business Podcasts

Beyond books, I have learned a lot from watching entrepreneurial YouTube channels and listening to business podcasts. Channels like:

Gary Vaynerchuk – for branding and marketing strategies. Alex Hormozi – for scaling businesses and understanding sales. The Diary of a CEO – for deep insights into business mindset and resilience.

These resources have taught me real-world strategies on how to market my brands, how to engage with customers, and how to push through difficult times as an entrepreneur.

4. The Bible & Apostolic Faith Teachings

Above all, my faith is what keeps me grounded. The Bible provides wisdom on discipline, patience, and integrity, which are crucial in business. The teachings of the Apostolic Faith Church remind me that success is not just about money and power, but about purpose and impact.

Final Thoughts

Entrepreneurship is a continuous journey of learning, and these resources have helped shape my mindset. Rich Dad Poor Dad gave me a financial foundation, The Art of War refined my strategic thinking, and modern media keeps me updated with real-world applications. But above all, faith keeps me humble and focused on my mission.

My goal is not just to build businesses but to create a lasting impact, and these lessons guide me every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hailey-jordany.printify.me/
• Instagram: @just_ern