From Survival to Self-Empowerment: Prosper’s Journey and the Lessons for Women in Business

When it comes to money and empowerment, our stories shape the way we see possibilities. In my recent conversation with Prosper Taruvinga, an entrepreneur who grew up in Zimbabwe before moving to Australia, I was reminded of just how powerful perspective can be when it comes to our financial lives. His journey from survival in a collapsing economy to creating a thriving business offers lessons every woman in business can apply.

The Language of Money We Inherit

Prosper shared what it was like growing up in Zimbabwe during hyperinflation. Imagine walking into a supermarket where milk was priced at $2 on the shelf but $5 by the time you reached the checkout. In that environment, money lost value faster than people could earn it, so survival was about bartering and hustling—making do with what was available.

That “money language,” as Prosper described it, was one of scarcity, urgency, and resourcefulness. For many of us, the money messages we absorbed in childhood still echo today—whether it’s fear of not having enough, guilt about spending, or hesitation to invest in our businesses. Recognizing your inherited money language is the first step to rewriting the script.

Seeing Beyond Survival

While others around him were simply focused on getting through the day, Prosper was inspired by an exchange teacher from Australia who opened his eyes to a different reality. He saw possibility where others saw only limitation.

This is a powerful reminder for women business owners: when we’re caught in the cycle of just “getting by,” it’s hard to imagine a bigger future. Yet the moment we allow ourselves to visualize more—whether that’s financial freedom, time with family, or building wealth—we create space for transformation.

Lessons in Financial Literacy

Arriving in Australia, Prosper faced new challenges. He fell into debt with phone bills and parking fines, but he avoided one trap many business owners know too well—credit card debt. Instead, he focused on learning: reading books, studying finance, and paying attention to conversations around him.

For women in business, this is an important takeaway. Financial literacy doesn’t arrive all at once—it grows through small, consistent steps. Reading, asking questions, and surrounding yourself with people who talk about money in empowering ways can dramatically change your financial trajectory.

Owning Your Platform and Your Power

One of Prosper’s most significant lessons came when his Facebook business account was hacked, resulting in a devastating financial and reputational loss. Instead of giving up, he rebuilt from scratch—this time focusing on “owning his media” through podcasting and email lists.

Too often, we rely on platforms and systems outside our control—whether that’s social media algorithms or even outdated financial habits. True empowerment comes when you create systems you own: a clear money management process, savings and investment accounts in your name, and platforms where you connect directly with your audience or clients.

The Bigger Picture

What I love most about Prosper’s story is his mindset: he chose to see challenges as stepping stones. For women entrepreneurs, financial self-empowerment isn’t just about numbers—it’s about vision, resilience, and ownership.

Your past does not define your future. Your money language can be rewritten. And your business can become not just a source of income, but a foundation for wealth and freedom.

So, the question is: what’s the next empowered step you can take with your money today?

Click here to get a copy of Prosper's new book, "Own Your M.E.D.I.A".