Amanda Gawa

My Story

My journey into entrepreneurship began with a poster on a school billboard—born out of curiosity and necessity. My name is Amanda, a proud Zimbabwean, raised by a courageous, risk-taking mother. All I ever wanted was to be like her. She could start everything from scratch and persevere through it all. The GRIT Center has allowed me to explore and develop those same traits I inherited from her.

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My path hasn’t been easy, but I’ll keep it short. Through the GRIT Center, I participated in pitch competitions, workshops, and county-level competitions. Along the way, I explored three business ideas: a braiding business, a crafting venture, and an international student recruitment agency. These ventures helped me explore my passions and discover my strengths. What I’m most proud of is that even when I didn’t win, I never gave up. I consistently sought help and embraced every opportunity to grow.

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These experiences sharpened my thinking, connected me with like-minded people, and taught me the power of networking. More than just about winning funding, the GRIT Center taught me how to take feedback, grow from failure, and try again. I developed a deeper respect for ownership, hustle, leadership, and most of all—independence. GRIT boosted my confidence and left a lasting impact on how I approach every part of my life.

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A personal milestone for me was encouraging my friends—Grace, Paidamoyo, and another Grace—to participate in GRIT programs. Watching them step into the entrepreneurial space was incredibly rewarding.

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One of my biggest learning moments came during the SnowDown Competition. I was so excited and nervous—I’d prepared extensively and had high hopes. When things didn’t go the way I imagined, I was heartbroken. But thanks to Russ, who guided me through that difficult moment, I learned that business is full of highs and lows. That competition taught me the importance of confidence, preparation, and clear communication.

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Today, I’m proud to say that I founded Learnlux Abroad Services, an international student recruitment agency based in Zimbabwe. The idea was born from my own journey as an international student and my experience working as a student ambassador. My path to studying in America was costly and confusing, and I wanted to help make it more affordable and accessible for others.

I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with other business owners in the industry—like Wissem, who welcomed me as a sub-agent and supported my expansion into the European and Asian student markets. His mentorship has been a huge part of my progress.

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My advice to future entrepreneurs is simple: You can start from anywhere. The GRIT Center team is there to guide you—don’t be afraid to try. The more you participate, the more you grow. Take every outcome as a lesson. Failure isn’t defined by how many times you fall, but by whether you choose to stand up again. So pitch that idea you’ve been holding in your mind—you never know where it might lead.

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I speak about the GRIT Center every chance I get, because it truly shaped who I am today. It gave me the confidence to share my story, the courage to follow in my mother’s footsteps, and the guidance to build something I genuinely love. My entrepreneurial journey is still unfolding, but thanks to the GRIT Center, I now walk that path with purpose, resilience, and pride.

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Thank you for being a part of my story—and for helping students like me believe that anything is possible.