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

Patience, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

Yes, through my publishing consultancy, I have the privilege of helping underserved communities tell their stories – stories that might otherwise never reach the broader world. One particularly moving example is a man from rural Zimbabwe who approached me with a dream: to publish his life story for posterity. His journey was not just one of personal growth, but a powerful tale of overcoming adversity that spanned continents.

Growing up in rural Zimbabwe, he experienced extreme poverty, where basic needs like education and health were hard to come by. Against all odds, he struggled through a system that seemed designed to disadvantage him. He spent his childhood herding cattle, often walking miles to a poorly equipped school. His family barely had enough to get by, and for years, it seemed that his dreams of a better future were slipping away.

But his determination was relentless. He managed to scrape together enough education to qualify for a job in the city, which eventually led to opportunities for him and his family to relocate to the diaspora. For him, this journey wasn’t just about personal success – it was about survival, perseverance, and creating a better life for his children.

When he came to me, he had a story that needed to be told, but he lacked the resources, industry knowledge, and access to professional publishing services. That’s where my consultancy stepped in. We worked together from the ground up—drafting, editing, and designing his memoir with the utmost care. I was able to offer him an affordable path to publishing, ensuring his voice could be heard.

The final product was more than just a book; it was a testament to his life’s journey, an inspiring memoir that has since touched many. His story of hardship, resilience, and eventual triumph resonated with readers, particularly those from similar backgrounds who saw a reflection of their struggles and hopes in his words.

This experience encapsulates why my work is so important. My publishing services exist to give voice to those who have stories that need to be shared but are often silenced by financial barriers or a lack of industry know-how. By offering affordable and accessible publishing solutions, I ensure that people like this author, from rural Zimbabwe to the diaspora, can document their legacies, inspire others, and contribute their perspectives to the global conversation.

This isn’t just about publishing books—it’s about giving people the tools to immortalize their experiences, preserving their unique histories for future generations. And that’s what makes the work I do exciting. Every story we help bring to life is a new perspective, a new voice, and a powerful reminder of the human capacity to overcome.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Patience Ziramba, and I lead Raincemba Publishing, a women-led, Indigenous children’s book publisher, as well as a publishing consultancy dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. My journey into this industry began with a passion for storytelling, a love for literature, and a deep understanding of how narratives can shape societies. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how the lack of access to quality, culturally relevant books affected communities, especially in rural areas. Books weren’t just scarce; they didn’t speak to our unique experiences or address the pressing global challenges of today.

I started Raincemba Publishing with the goal of transforming the reading culture in Africa and beyond. We create early learning storybooks that are affordable, accessible, and centered around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These books are more than just entertaining stories; they educate children and their parents on critical issues like sustainability, gender equality, and climate change. My work with Raincemba has shown me the power of literature as a tool for social change—especially when it reaches communities that traditionally haven’t had access to books that reflect their realities or inspire them to engage with global issues.

In addition to publishing, I also run a publishing consultancy. This branch of my work was born out of the realization that many talented writers – especially from underserved communities and the diaspora – struggle to navigate the often complex and expensive world of publishing. I offer publishing consultancy services specifically for female Black authors in the diaspora. I focus on helping these women navigate the publishing process, offering guidance on everything from writing and editing to book design and distribution. My goal is to ensure their stories and voices are heard, overcoming the challenges that often come with being an underrepresented author. By providing affordable and accessible services, I empower women in the diaspora to share their unique perspectives with the world, especially those who face barriers to entry in traditional publishing.

One thing that sets me apart is my commitment to accessibility. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves a platform to share their story. That’s why I work hard to ensure that my services are affordable, especially for those in rural areas or those who are writing from the diaspora. A prime example is the work I’ve done with an author from rural Zimbabwe who wanted to publish his life story. Despite facing financial constraints and being unfamiliar with the publishing process, we worked together to bring his powerful narrative to life – a memoir that now serves as an inspiration to many who’ve experienced similar struggles. This kind of impact is what makes me most proud.

Another unique aspect of my work is my collaboration with upcoming illustrators. I believe that the visual aspect of storytelling is just as important as the words on the page, especially when it comes to children’s literature. By working with emerging artists, I not only help bring stories to life visually, but I also provide a platform for these illustrators to showcase their talents, grow professionally, and gain recognition in the creative industry.

As the industry continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of digital platforms, I have embraced technology to further democratize access to publishing. I support my clients in adopting digital tools and platforms, which helps them reach a global audience more efficiently. From e-books to online marketing strategies, I make sure my clients are equipped to succeed in a fast-paced digital world.

What am I most proud of? It’s the lives I’ve touched through my work. Whether it’s helping an author in the diaspora document their journey for future generations, or empowering a child in a rural area to dream big through a storybook, I find great fulfillment in knowing that my work is making a tangible difference.

For anyone considering working with me, I want you to know that my mission is deeply rooted in empowerment and education. My brand stands for inclusivity, accessibility, and a commitment to quality. I’m here to help you tell your story, no matter where you’re from or what challenges you face. Whether you’re an author looking to publish, an NGO aiming to communicate impact, or an illustrator seeking a platform to showcase your work, my goal is to provide you with the tools and support you need to succeed.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that success in publishing, or any business for that matter, is solely about perfection. Early in my journey, I was fixated on getting everything “just right” – from the book designs to the narratives to every single client interaction. I thought perfection equaled success, and anything less would harm my reputation or hold me back. But striving for perfection often led to delays, missed opportunities, and an overwhelming sense of frustration, both for me and the people I worked with.

The turning point came during a project with a diaspora author who was eager to publish his memoir, sharing his journey from rural Zimbabwe to building a life for his family abroad. I was so focused on making everything flawless that the process dragged out, and the author grew frustrated. He reminded me that his goal was to tell his story – not for it to be perfect, but for it to be shared, warts and all. That was when I realized that sometimes, progress and authenticity are more important than perfection.

I learned that stories, much like the people who write them, are inherently imperfect. And that’s what makes them relatable and powerful. Now, I focus on doing my best while embracing the imperfection that comes with creativity and growth. It’s about progress over perfection, learning as you go, and continuously improving. This shift in mindset has not only improved my workflow but has also allowed me to build stronger relationships with my clients. They appreciate the authenticity, and I’m able to help them share their stories with the world more efficiently.

Unlearning the need for perfection has been liberating, and it’s a lesson I often share with fellow small business owners and creatives. Sometimes, it’s better to put your work out there, connect with your audience, and improve along the way, rather than waiting for everything to be flawless.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first launched my publishing consultancy services, I was filled with excitement and ambition, eager to provide affordable and accessible publishing solutions to authors from underserved communities. However, I quickly discovered that breaking into the publishing industry as a small, women-led, indigenous company was no easy feat. I faced numerous challenges, particularly in gaining the trust of potential clients in a market dominated by larger, established players.

A defining moment of resilience came during this journey when I began working with diaspora authors. Many were understandably hesitant about collaborating with a relatively new consultancy, especially one based on a different continent. One author, based in Australia, was particularly skeptical. He doubted that I could help him successfully share his unique story on a global scale.

Winning his trust was no small task. It took several weeks of persistent communication, sharing examples of my work, and demonstrating the value I could bring to his project. Building that trust required patience and perseverance. I listened to his concerns and proved that, despite the distance and my consultancy’s newness, I could deliver the results he needed.

Eventually, he took the leap. His book was not only published successfully but also well-received by his audience. That initial partnership blossomed, and we have since gone on to publish five books together. This experience taught me that resilience in business is about building lasting relationships, cultivating trust, and being patient enough to see it through. Today, he’s one of my most loyal clients and a strong advocate for my consultancy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.raincemba.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/editorpatience/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patienceziramba
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patienceziramba/

Image Credits

Arfluencer
Bold Dialogue
Raincemba Publishing