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Tatenda Nyanyira

Book on a Desk

Let these words be the colours, I'm just painting my heart.

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Stories that are crafted to help women feel seen, inspired, and uncover deeper truths about themselves through love, faith, and connection.

Firecracker out Now!

Books

While We Wait follows Tess, a rising A&R executive in New York City, and Cole, a talented producer and songwriter, both navigating heartbreak and self-discovery. When fate brings them together, music becomes the bridge that connects their hearts, teaching them that true love isn’t just about finding the right person—it’s about becoming the right person. A heartfelt Black romance about timing, growth, and the magic of waiting for love, While We Wait reminds us that love arrives when we’re ready.

Preorder the Exclusive Edition

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Firecracker is a witty, slow-burn romance novella about Dex Carter, a firefighter who’s sworn off love after getting burned, and Aleisha Martin, a driven entrepreneur with no time for emotionally unavailable men. Neither is looking for romance, but when small-town life keeps throwing them together, sparks fly in ways they can’t ignore. Full of charm, chemistry, and unexpected moments, this heartwarming story is about letting go, showing up, and finding love where you least expect it—slowly, steadily, and all-consuming.

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Tatenda Nyanyira is a storyteller with a heart for meaningful, uplifting romance. She has been writing since her teenage years, using words to explore identity, connection, and faith. In 2020, she released her first book, Growing Pains—a powerful reflection on her personal faith journey and finding purpose through struggle.

Tatenda is also a digital marketing specialist, holding an MSc in Digital Marketing. She has worked across corporate, brand, small business, and nonprofit sectors—helping mission-driven organizations grow their impact through strategy, storytelling, and connection.

Today, she writes clean and wholesome love stories infused with humor, pop culture, and themes of found family, sisterhood, and divine timing. Her fiction invites women to feel seen, inspired, and gently challenged to grow into who they’re becoming.

Her debut novella, Firecracker, is the prelude to her upcoming novel While We Wait, blending slow-burn romance with small-town charm and emotional depth. Beyond writing, Tatenda is the founder of Glow Up, Sister, a faith-based community, and Glow Up, Sis, a mentorship program for young girls. Through her words and her work, she empowers women to walk boldly in faith, love, and purpose.

About the Author

Reader Reviews

"Firecracker is a quick read that will have you giggling! I'm a sucker for small town romance so this was right up my alley. I loved the elements of family, recovering from heartbreak, and chasing your dreams! I can't wait to read more of the series once it's released!

Robyn

This book had me cheesing in my room 😭 Why did I actually think I was Aleisha ?! Didn’t expect to relate to a character this much. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

Isabella

Such a lovely story! A small town romance that you can ease yourself into on those quiet days !!

Mercy

We’re officially SOLD OUT of the limited edition signed paperbacks for 2025 🤍 Thank you so much for the love!

If you still want a copy of While We Wait, paperback copies are available on Amazon—and if you order now, they’ll arrive just in time for Christmas for your bookish friends and family 🎄

It’s cozy holiday reading if you’re in the mood for a faith + music industry love story about who you become in the wait, found family, and finally having a safe place to fall.

It’s lover girl and lover guy winterrrr 🤍❄️

We’re officially SOLD OUT of the limited edition signed paperbacks for 2025 🤍 Thank you so much for the love!

If you still want a copy of While We Wait, paperback copies are available on Amazon—and if you order now, they’ll arrive just in time for Christmas for your bookish friends and family 🎄

It’s cozy holiday reading if you’re in the mood for a faith + music industry love story about who you become in the wait, found family, and finally having a safe place to fall.

It’s lover girl and lover guy winterrrr 🤍❄️

Boy, did we have a time on Saturday night! 😭

The vibes were definitely in the room. The creatives, the book lovers, the readers, everybody had pulled up for the launch of While We Wait, and we had such a good time.

We had performances, random bursts of singing, little jam sessions breaking out everywhere.

We laughed, we talked about the book, I signed copies, and got to meet some truly amazing humans. My heart is still full, and I’m still recovering and replaying how magical Saturday night was.

My book, my debut novel, While We Wait, is finally out for the world to read. Grab your copy today through the link in my bio. ⏳🤍

Boy, did we have a time on Saturday night! 😭

The vibes were definitely in the room. The creatives, the book lovers, the readers, everybody had pulled up for the launch of While We Wait, and we had such a good time.

We had performances, random bursts of singing, little jam sessions breaking out everywhere.

We laughed, we talked about the book, I signed copies, and got to meet some truly amazing humans. My heart is still full, and I’m still recovering and replaying how magical Saturday night was.

My book, my debut novel, While We Wait, is finally out for the world to read. Grab your copy today through the link in my bio. ⏳🤍

Messed around and released my debut novel 🥹⏳

I’m still in awe and my heart is so full. We’re live, and you can get your copy through the link in my bio 🤍

Messed around and released my debut novel 🥹⏳

I’m still in awe and my heart is so full. We’re live, and you can get your copy through the link in my bio 🤍

THE WAIT IS OVER!

My book is finally out in the world and I honestly cannot believe I’m typing that. Part of my heart officially belongs to you now. 🤍 If you want to grab a copy, it’s up on Amazon—go meet the characters I fell head-over-heels for while writing. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with them the way I did, truly, deeply, embarrassingly so.

THE WAIT IS OVER!

My book is finally out in the world and I honestly cannot believe I’m typing that. Part of my heart officially belongs to you now. 🤍 If you want to grab a copy, it’s up on Amazon—go meet the characters I fell head-over-heels for while writing. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with them the way I did, truly, deeply, embarrassingly so.

5 DAYS UNTIL MY DEBUT NOVEL LAUNCHES 🥹⏳

5 DAYS UNTIL MY DEBUT NOVEL LAUNCHES 🥹⏳

Two weeks to go… and my heart is genuinely so full. 💕

I can’t believe that in just 14 days, the world of Silverbrook — this little fictional town I had the absolute time of my life creating — will finally be in your hands.

I poured so much of myself into building this world: its softness, its storms, its magic. Every character taught me something. Every storyline stretched me. I watched them grow, I learned to love them, and I hope with everything in me that you’ll find pieces of yourself tucked between their pages. I hope you find your found family among them, the same way I did.

Writing this book was joy, escape, healing, and wild creativity all wrapped together… and now I get to share it with you. And that still blows my mind.

You can pre-order the exclusive edition through the link in my bio, and you can also pre-order on Amazon right now. The countdown to While We Wait is officially on. ⏳✨

Two weeks to go… and my heart is genuinely so full. 💕

I can’t believe that in just 14 days, the world of Silverbrook — this little fictional town I had the absolute time of my life creating — will finally be in your hands.

I poured so much of myself into building this world: its softness, its storms, its magic. Every character taught me something. Every storyline stretched me. I watched them grow, I learned to love them, and I hope with everything in me that you’ll find pieces of yourself tucked between their pages. I hope you find your found family among them, the same way I did.

Writing this book was joy, escape, healing, and wild creativity all wrapped together… and now I get to share it with you. And that still blows my mind.

You can pre-order the exclusive edition through the link in my bio, and you can also pre-order on Amazon right now. The countdown to While We Wait is officially on. ⏳✨

The last slide is exactly my mood because my book comes out in two weeks ⏳

These past few months have been so hectic — so much happening at once — that it’s felt like I’ve been living in an outer-body experience. Lately I’ve been sitting with it all, reflecting, letting it sink in that what I wrote on paper… what I spent almost two years crafting, curating, and pouring my whole heart into… is about to be in your hands. It’s bugging me out in the best way.

I’m so excited. So expectant. I cannot wait for you guys to read it. This journey has been one long wait, but the countdown is officially ON. Two weeks until release day ✨

Come hang out with me in Birmingham on December 6th for the launch party, and don’t forget to pre-order your exclusive edition through the link in my bio! 💕

The last slide is exactly my mood because my book comes out in two weeks ⏳

These past few months have been so hectic — so much happening at once — that it’s felt like I’ve been living in an outer-body experience. Lately I’ve been sitting with it all, reflecting, letting it sink in that what I wrote on paper… what I spent almost two years crafting, curating, and pouring my whole heart into… is about to be in your hands. It’s bugging me out in the best way.

I’m so excited. So expectant. I cannot wait for you guys to read it. This journey has been one long wait, but the countdown is officially ON. Two weeks until release day ✨

Come hang out with me in Birmingham on December 6th for the launch party, and don’t forget to pre-order your exclusive edition through the link in my bio! 💕

The incredible MC Kudzai — the hostess with the absolute mostess — will be leading us through an unforgettable evening at the While We Wait Book Launch & Book Swap.

Trust me… you want to be in the room.

We’re officially under three weeks until my book drops (WHAT?! 😭), and I can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Birmingham, come through — I want to spend the evening with you. ⏳

Hit the link in my bio to register!

The incredible MC Kudzai — the hostess with the absolute mostess — will be leading us through an unforgettable evening at the While We Wait Book Launch & Book Swap.

Trust me… you want to be in the room.

We’re officially under three weeks until my book drops (WHAT?! 😭), and I can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Birmingham, come through — I want to spend the evening with you. ⏳

Hit the link in my bio to register!

A love story… but also a sisterhood story. 🤍

If you’ve already read Firecracker, you already know Aleisha is THAT girl. But in While We Wait, we really see her step into the role of the protective best friend—the homegirl who will absolutely go to bat for you every single time.

This story isn’t just about romance.

It’s about found family, sisterhood, and finding yourself inside a community that finally feels like home. Because at the end of the day, we all need that one sister who loves us loud, stands ten toes down, and checks anybody who fumbles us.

✨ While We Wait is out December 6th
✨ You can pre-order the exclusive edition on my website right now
✨ Or pre-order the Kindle version on Amazon through the link in my bio

For the girls who love love…
and the girls who love their people even harder. 🤍✨

A love story… but also a sisterhood story. 🤍

If you’ve already read Firecracker, you already know Aleisha is THAT girl. But in While We Wait, we really see her step into the role of the protective best friend—the homegirl who will absolutely go to bat for you every single time.

This story isn’t just about romance.

It’s about found family, sisterhood, and finding yourself inside a community that finally feels like home. Because at the end of the day, we all need that one sister who loves us loud, stands ten toes down, and checks anybody who fumbles us.

✨ While We Wait is out December 6th
✨ You can pre-order the exclusive edition on my website right now
✨ Or pre-order the Kindle version on Amazon through the link in my bio

For the girls who love love…
and the girls who love their people even harder. 🤍✨

I mean I could… but why would I want to? 😌

When I write, I’m drawn to the kind of love that comes after becoming. The kind that grows from knowing yourself, understanding your wounds, and untangling the parts of your past that shaped you. You learn so much about who you are on the way to becoming who you need to be, and that transformation matters just as much as the romance itself.

That’s what I wanted readers to feel in this story. It’s less about falling at first sight and more about the journey that brings you to a place where love can finally meet you. The backstory, the healing, the quiet shifts beneath the surface, the slow blooming of connection… that’s the heart of While We Wait.

It comes out December 6th, and I hope it reminds people that the path you take to reach love is just as important as the love itself.

Pre order through the link in my bio. 🤎

I mean I could… but why would I want to? 😌

When I write, I’m drawn to the kind of love that comes after becoming. The kind that grows from knowing yourself, understanding your wounds, and untangling the parts of your past that shaped you. You learn so much about who you are on the way to becoming who you need to be, and that transformation matters just as much as the romance itself.

That’s what I wanted readers to feel in this story. It’s less about falling at first sight and more about the journey that brings you to a place where love can finally meet you. The backstory, the healing, the quiet shifts beneath the surface, the slow blooming of connection… that’s the heart of While We Wait.

It comes out December 6th, and I hope it reminds people that the path you take to reach love is just as important as the love itself.

Pre order through the link in my bio. 🤎

Hearing a beta reader say this story is “pure and soothing to the soul” made my whole heart melt. 🥹

If you’re ready for a romance with depth, healing, and softness… the wait is almost over.

Pre-orders are now open on Amazon + my site (exclusive edition!)

While We Wait arrives December 6th 🤎✨

Hearing a beta reader say this story is “pure and soothing to the soul” made my whole heart melt. 🥹

If you’re ready for a romance with depth, healing, and softness… the wait is almost over.

Pre-orders are now open on Amazon + my site (exclusive edition!)

While We Wait arrives December 6th 🤎✨

On December 6th, I want to bring together creatives, book lovers, and community-minded people for a night you won’t forget 🥹

Join us for a Book Swap Community Event filled with connection, conversations, and all the cosy vibes.

📚 Bring a book, take a book
🤝 Meet new people + grow your creative circle
🍴 Enjoy bites + drinks
✍🏾 Grab a limited signed copy of While We Wait if you want one!

Tickets are only £5, and they’re moving — so hit the link in my bio to secure your spot

If you’ve been craving community, this is your sign.

See you on December 6th. ✨

On December 6th, I want to bring together creatives, book lovers, and community-minded people for a night you won’t forget 🥹

Join us for a Book Swap Community Event filled with connection, conversations, and all the cosy vibes.

📚 Bring a book, take a book
🤝 Meet new people + grow your creative circle
🍴 Enjoy bites + drinks
✍🏾 Grab a limited signed copy of While We Wait if you want one!

Tickets are only £5, and they’re moving — so hit the link in my bio to secure your spot

If you’ve been craving community, this is your sign.

See you on December 6th. ✨

Prepare to be sick of me… because the book comes out in THREE WEEKS. 😭📚

While We Wait officially drops December 6th, and I’m losing my entire mind about it.

And as of right now (!!) Kindle readers can pre-order the ebook on Amazon.

Link in my bio 🔗⏳

Prepare to be sick of me… because the book comes out in THREE WEEKS. 😭📚

While We Wait officially drops December 6th, and I’m losing my entire mind about it.

And as of right now (!!) Kindle readers can pre-order the ebook on Amazon.

Link in my bio 🔗⏳

A producer, an A&R exec, and a love they choose with intention. ✨

While We Wait is almost here, and the countdown is officially on. ⏳

You can get your exclusive copy through the link in my bio I can’t wait for yall to read this 🤍

A producer, an A&R exec, and a love they choose with intention. ✨

While We Wait is almost here, and the countdown is officially on. ⏳

You can get your exclusive copy through the link in my bio I can’t wait for yall to read this 🤍

LOVER GIRLS AND GUYS, WE’RE UP!

My book comes out December 6th!!!! 😭

Come hang out with me that night in Birmingham for a book launch + book swap event. I’ll have signed copies of my debut romance novel 🥹 I hope you love these characters as much as I’ve loved writing them.

I also have some limited exclusive editions available rn on my website for pre-order don’t say I didn’t tell ya 🫢

Run to the link in my bio to register + to get your copies together. 🤍

LOVER GIRLS AND GUYS, WE’RE UP!

My book comes out December 6th!!!! 😭

Come hang out with me that night in Birmingham for a book launch + book swap event. I’ll have signed copies of my debut romance novel 🥹 I hope you love these characters as much as I’ve loved writing them.

I also have some limited exclusive editions available rn on my website for pre-order don’t say I didn’t tell ya 🫢

Run to the link in my bio to register + to get your copies together. 🤍

One month.

I can’t believe this book is almost here (!!!)

Slow burn.
Healing arcs.
Faith in the waiting.
Love that arrives when hearts are ready.

While We Wait drops in one month and I truly cannot wait to share it with you. 🤍

Pre-order is available now through the link in my bio.

AND I have very limited signed copies that I’ll be giving out at my launch event on the 6th of December.

You can register for the event through the link in my bio too.

This is really happening sksksksksk

One month.

I can’t believe this book is almost here (!!!)

Slow burn.
Healing arcs.
Faith in the waiting.
Love that arrives when hearts are ready.

While We Wait drops in one month and I truly cannot wait to share it with you. 🤍

Pre-order is available now through the link in my bio.

AND I have very limited signed copies that I’ll be giving out at my launch event on the 6th of December.

You can register for the event through the link in my bio too.

This is really happening sksksksksk

Oost West, Thuis Best 🏠

Oost West, Thuis Best 🏠

Come hang out with me for While We Wait - a night of stories, books, and community. We’ll swap books, share words, sip something nice, and celebrate the launch of my debut novel. Bring a book to trade, stay for the stories, and let’s make it a cozy night of connection and conversation. ♥️

You can register through the link in my bio to attend — or grab your spot and receive an exclusive signed copy of While We Wait.

We’re a little over a month away from release day and I can’t wait!!!

Come hang out with me for While We Wait - a night of stories, books, and community. We’ll swap books, share words, sip something nice, and celebrate the launch of my debut novel. Bring a book to trade, stay for the stories, and let’s make it a cozy night of connection and conversation. ♥️

You can register through the link in my bio to attend — or grab your spot and receive an exclusive signed copy of While We Wait.

We’re a little over a month away from release day and I can’t wait!!!

Question for the class: why did summer come and go so soon¿

pray for the summer babies. we hate it here 😌

Question for the class: why did summer come and go so soon¿

pray for the summer babies. we hate it here 😌

THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER⏳

Almost a year ago, I dropped the title of my book when I finished the very first draft. Since then, I’ve edited, rewrote, scrapped, and refined—at least ten more times. Each round stretched my patience in ways that mirrored the very heart of this story.

While We Wait is a romance, but it’s also bigger than that. It’s about self-discovery, soul-searching, and learning that the deepest connection we’ll ever find is the one we build with ourselves first.

I’ve been living with Tess and Cole since I was 15 years old, back when I was posting fanfics on Wattpad (safe space, right?). They’ve grown up with me—through heartbreaks, healing, love, and the messy work of rediscovering myself. They’ve carried pieces of every version of me: the fears, the lessons, the little hopes I’ve tucked away. To finally introduce them to you feels like bringing two lifelong friends out into the world.

I can’t believe it’s finally happening. I’m so excited, and I put my whole pen into this. On December 6th, While We Wait won’t just be mine anymore—it’ll be our story to share.

Let these words be the colours, I’m just painting my heart ☁️

THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER⏳

Almost a year ago, I dropped the title of my book when I finished the very first draft. Since then, I’ve edited, rewrote, scrapped, and refined—at least ten more times. Each round stretched my patience in ways that mirrored the very heart of this story.

While We Wait is a romance, but it’s also bigger than that. It’s about self-discovery, soul-searching, and learning that the deepest connection we’ll ever find is the one we build with ourselves first.

I’ve been living with Tess and Cole since I was 15 years old, back when I was posting fanfics on Wattpad (safe space, right?). They’ve grown up with me—through heartbreaks, healing, love, and the messy work of rediscovering myself. They’ve carried pieces of every version of me: the fears, the lessons, the little hopes I’ve tucked away. To finally introduce them to you feels like bringing two lifelong friends out into the world.

I can’t believe it’s finally happening. I’m so excited, and I put my whole pen into this. On December 6th, While We Wait won’t just be mine anymore—it’ll be our story to share.

Let these words be the colours, I’m just painting my heart ☁️

We got work to do 🤧💼 We have a book to publish (!!!) We have lives to change. We have a world to heal. We have dreams to live out. We have people to inspire. We have hope to give. We have LOVE to give.

This week has been full of exciting meetings and conversations— and we’re one step closer to the release of While We Wait. But while we wait for while we wait, I’m looking for some beta readers who want to read the novel and give their honest thoughts and feedback. If you’re interested, lemme know, beta readers will be selected next week!

It’s been a long time coming, but soon and very soon, I’ll be able to share my heart in book form.

I’ll stop typing now before I get too sappy. 🥴🥹

We got work to do 🤧💼 We have a book to publish (!!!) We have lives to change. We have a world to heal. We have dreams to live out. We have people to inspire. We have hope to give. We have LOVE to give.

This week has been full of exciting meetings and conversations— and we’re one step closer to the release of While We Wait. But while we wait for while we wait, I’m looking for some beta readers who want to read the novel and give their honest thoughts and feedback. If you’re interested, lemme know, beta readers will be selected next week!

It’s been a long time coming, but soon and very soon, I’ll be able to share my heart in book form.

I’ll stop typing now before I get too sappy. 🥴🥹

I’m in grind mode… working on the follow up to Firecracker, the novel, While We Wait ⏳

But reading through feedback and seeing what people think of this lil novella that dropped this summer is incredible and encouraging 🥹 Every time I pick up a pen (or start typing), my hope and my desire is that whoever reads sees themselves represented and is inspired to dare to dream, to fall, to love, to heal, and to become.

Anyways, just wanted to share these lil reviews. WHILE WE WAIT IS COMING SOONER RATHER THAN LATER!

But in the meantime, grab your copy of Firecracker 🧨

link in my bio ✌🏾

I’m in grind mode… working on the follow up to Firecracker, the novel, While We Wait ⏳

But reading through feedback and seeing what people think of this lil novella that dropped this summer is incredible and encouraging 🥹 Every time I pick up a pen (or start typing), my hope and my desire is that whoever reads sees themselves represented and is inspired to dare to dream, to fall, to love, to heal, and to become.

Anyways, just wanted to share these lil reviews. WHILE WE WAIT IS COMING SOONER RATHER THAN LATER!

But in the meantime, grab your copy of Firecracker 🧨

link in my bio ✌🏾

life lately ☁️

life lately ☁️

life lately ☁️

life lately ☁️

Writing from a man’s POV is always a trip lol. I’m literally sitting there like—do men really talk like this?? Is this man dialogue?? 🤔

When I write women, it’s flowery, descriptive, emotional. But men? Short. Direct. No fluff. Just vibes. 😂 Anyone else feel this when switching POVs??

#authorsofinstagram📚 #writersofinstagram

Writing from a man’s POV is always a trip lol. I’m literally sitting there like—do men really talk like this?? Is this man dialogue?? 🤔

When I write women, it’s flowery, descriptive, emotional. But men? Short. Direct. No fluff. Just vibes. 😂 Anyone else feel this when switching POVs??

#authorsofinstagram📚 #writersofinstagram

I wrote this one in the in-between.
Between books. Between sleep and work and real life.

It’s not long. It’s not flashy.
But it’s honest. It’s warm.
And it might just be my favorite kind of love story—the quiet kind that finds you anyway.

Firecracker is out now (!!)

And if I’m being honest It’s weird and wonderful knowing it’s out there—that people are reading it, messaging me about their favorite lines, sending Dex and Aleisha heart emojis.
I’m overwhelmed in the best way.

If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, it’s waiting for you.

Link’s in my bio 💥

I wrote this one in the in-between.
Between books. Between sleep and work and real life.

It’s not long. It’s not flashy.
But it’s honest. It’s warm.
And it might just be my favorite kind of love story—the quiet kind that finds you anyway.

Firecracker is out now (!!)

And if I’m being honest It’s weird and wonderful knowing it’s out there—that people are reading it, messaging me about their favorite lines, sending Dex and Aleisha heart emojis.
I’m overwhelmed in the best way.

If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, it’s waiting for you.

Link’s in my bio 💥

life lately ☁️

new age, new home, new book out on Amazon 🥹

God’s doing His big one this season.

life lately ☁️

new age, new home, new book out on Amazon 🥹

God’s doing His big one this season.

I had to put you on real quick 👏🏾
Neither of them was looking for love… but love had other plans 👀🔥
He’s a firefighter just trying to lay low. She’s a boss with zero time for distractions. But somehow? They keep crossing paths—and catching feelings.

If you’re into slow burns, big chemistry, and small-town messiness… Firecracker might be your next fave.

It’s out now. Link’s in my bio 💥💛

I had to put you on real quick 👏🏾
Neither of them was looking for love… but love had other plans 👀🔥
He’s a firefighter just trying to lay low. She’s a boss with zero time for distractions. But somehow? They keep crossing paths—and catching feelings.

If you’re into slow burns, big chemistry, and small-town messiness… Firecracker might be your next fave.

It’s out now. Link’s in my bio 💥💛

the category is ✨grown✨

the category is ✨grown✨

TATE TWENTY ATE 💋

TATE TWENTY ATE 💋

This video was recorded on May 29th. I had no working title. Just an idea—one that I wasn’t entirely sure would stick.

Then I moved across the country. Life picked up. Delays happened. The kind that remind you you’re not always in control, even when you think you’ve planned for everything.

Somewhere in the middle of the chaos, I scratched the original idea and started again. I wasn’t sure I had it in me. But in just one short month, I wrote a novella.

It’s called Firecracker. And on Monday, it’ll be yours.

I hope your introduction to these intricate, chaotic, and beautiful characters is just as special for you as it was for me.

Out June 2nd. Pre-order link’s in my bio. 🧨

This video was recorded on May 29th. I had no working title. Just an idea—one that I wasn’t entirely sure would stick.

Then I moved across the country. Life picked up. Delays happened. The kind that remind you you’re not always in control, even when you think you’ve planned for everything.

Somewhere in the middle of the chaos, I scratched the original idea and started again. I wasn’t sure I had it in me. But in just one short month, I wrote a novella.

It’s called Firecracker. And on Monday, it’ll be yours.

I hope your introduction to these intricate, chaotic, and beautiful characters is just as special for you as it was for me.

Out June 2nd. Pre-order link’s in my bio. 🧨

Some of my favourite songs—the real deep cuts, the ones that stayed with me—weren’t even on the album. They came from the mixtapes. The in-between moments. The art made while we were waiting.

Firecracker is that for us.

It’s the short, messy, honest little story I wrote in the middle of moving house, working over time, and juggling real life (because chaos is apparently my creative fuel). I had one month, and I poured everything I had into giving you something before While We Wait.

It’s a novella. A spark. A love letter to found family, first flames, and the kind of connection that changes you—quietly, then all at once.

Out June 2nd.

Pre-order now on Kindle (or the Kindle app if that’s your vibe).

💥 Link’s in my bio.

Some of my favourite songs—the real deep cuts, the ones that stayed with me—weren’t even on the album. They came from the mixtapes. The in-between moments. The art made while we were waiting.

Firecracker is that for us.

It’s the short, messy, honest little story I wrote in the middle of moving house, working over time, and juggling real life (because chaos is apparently my creative fuel). I had one month, and I poured everything I had into giving you something before While We Wait.

It’s a novella. A spark. A love letter to found family, first flames, and the kind of connection that changes you—quietly, then all at once.

Out June 2nd.

Pre-order now on Kindle (or the Kindle app if that’s your vibe).

💥 Link’s in my bio.

Let me land… cause when I get done with my intrusive thought I got a word for ya 🫢 We’re talking about the things we wish we knew about our 20’s.

New podcast episode is out rn on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Full video episode will be out in a few hours 🎧

Let me land… cause when I get done with my intrusive thought I got a word for ya 🫢 We’re talking about the things we wish we knew about our 20’s.

New podcast episode is out rn on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Full video episode will be out in a few hours 🎧

life lately ☁️

I’m coming out of a season that felt dry… not because nothing was happening— just that I felt uninspired. I convinced myself I was experiencing a creative block. When truly, all I had to do was look up, live a little and find inspiration in the simple and mundane things. My unofficial writer’s block has come to an end and I’ve been dreaming, envisioning and writing again. 🖋️

life lately ☁️

I’m coming out of a season that felt dry… not because nothing was happening— just that I felt uninspired. I convinced myself I was experiencing a creative block. When truly, all I had to do was look up, live a little and find inspiration in the simple and mundane things. My unofficial writer’s block has come to an end and I’ve been dreaming, envisioning and writing again. 🖋️

I’ve seen this trend go around where people describe what it’d look like to have a coffee with their younger selves. I asked ChatGPT to write mine, based on what she (that’s my homegirl) already knows about me.

As much as it is vital to press forward, every now and again it’s worth peeking back in the rearview mirror just to see how far you’ve come. As we are, we are a culmination of every experience, every memory, every story, and every circumstance we’ve ever encountered. So, by default, sometimes, we carry the 12 year old versions of ourselves into the room.

Looking back allows you to speak to that little you. It gives space to pick up the pieces, and heal what you now understand in hindsight. Looking back, even if ever so briefly, also allows you to give grace to the version of you that did the best they could with what they had. Looking back allows you to cheer yourself on, and gleam with pride when you understand just how far you’ve come.

What would you say to your younger self?

I’ve seen this trend go around where people describe what it’d look like to have a coffee with their younger selves. I asked ChatGPT to write mine, based on what she (that’s my homegirl) already knows about me.

As much as it is vital to press forward, every now and again it’s worth peeking back in the rearview mirror just to see how far you’ve come. As we are, we are a culmination of every experience, every memory, every story, and every circumstance we’ve ever encountered. So, by default, sometimes, we carry the 12 year old versions of ourselves into the room.

Looking back allows you to speak to that little you. It gives space to pick up the pieces, and heal what you now understand in hindsight. Looking back, even if ever so briefly, also allows you to give grace to the version of you that did the best they could with what they had. Looking back allows you to cheer yourself on, and gleam with pride when you understand just how far you’ve come.

What would you say to your younger self?

So, here we are—my first Substack post is live. 🙌🏾 I’m talking about something I’ve been thinking about for a while: mixtapes. Those in-between moments when the full album isn’t out yet, but the music that gets dropped along the way shapes everything. Some of my favorite songs came from that space, and there’s something real about waiting—about what gets created in the pause.

In some ways, I’m in a mixtape season— and if what comes out of it is just gearing us up for the main attraction I’m here for it.

It’s been a while since I’ve written something to share, so if you’re interested, comment WHILE WE WAIT and I’ll DM you the link ☁️

So, here we are—my first Substack post is live. 🙌🏾 I’m talking about something I’ve been thinking about for a while: mixtapes. Those in-between moments when the full album isn’t out yet, but the music that gets dropped along the way shapes everything. Some of my favorite songs came from that space, and there’s something real about waiting—about what gets created in the pause.

In some ways, I’m in a mixtape season— and if what comes out of it is just gearing us up for the main attraction I’m here for it.

It’s been a while since I’ve written something to share, so if you’re interested, comment WHILE WE WAIT and I’ll DM you the link ☁️

So I guess I’m posting for accountability 🥲 If you know anything about me and my love for food even just culturally— you’ll know that this is a huge feat.

But from February 1st, ya girl is going completely meatless, practicing discipline and self-control and taking care of my body. I’ve been spending hours scrolling through Pinterest, and I’m ready to get into allll the recipes. I’m about to enjoy my last few days of eating to my heart’s content and would appreciate no judgement as I do so.

Let’s see how this goes 🌿

So I guess I’m posting for accountability 🥲 If you know anything about me and my love for food even just culturally— you’ll know that this is a huge feat.

But from February 1st, ya girl is going completely meatless, practicing discipline and self-control and taking care of my body. I’ve been spending hours scrolling through Pinterest, and I’m ready to get into allll the recipes. I’m about to enjoy my last few days of eating to my heart’s content and would appreciate no judgement as I do so.

Let’s see how this goes 🌿

The phrase for this era and the title of my book is While We Wait. I’ve been able to share glimpses of the power of the pause and resting in the present with my @glowupsister community and hope that as this year continues to unravel we learn to find peace and embrace the seasons where our next may seem unclear. We rest in the wait when we know that our steps are ordered ✨

The phrase for this era and the title of my book is While We Wait. I’ve been able to share glimpses of the power of the pause and resting in the present with my @glowupsister community and hope that as this year continues to unravel we learn to find peace and embrace the seasons where our next may seem unclear. We rest in the wait when we know that our steps are ordered ✨

My heart is full. Time and time again I’m shown the power of saying yes and how it impacts the community we build through @glowupsister 🥹

The women showed up and showed out yesterday — we highlighted female owned businesses, we worked with female owned vendors, and had an all-female line up of inspiring and empowering speakers. I’m in awe of what takes place in these rooms every time we get to do it 🤧🤎

My heart is full. Time and time again I’m shown the power of saying yes and how it impacts the community we build through @glowupsister 🥹

The women showed up and showed out yesterday — we highlighted female owned businesses, we worked with female owned vendors, and had an all-female line up of inspiring and empowering speakers. I’m in awe of what takes place in these rooms every time we get to do it 🤧🤎

So hosting Friendsmas went a lil like this… let’s not talk about the gifts 🫠😭 But the food the company and the love was all we needed 🫶🏾

So hosting Friendsmas went a lil like this… let’s not talk about the gifts 🫠😭 But the food the company and the love was all we needed 🫶🏾

GET READY TO HOST FRIENDSMAS WITH US 🎄✨

Another year, another season of hosting and it starts with the preparations the night before. My girl @tiwi_michelle came all the way through and helped me plan, prep and execute another fun lil evening for the holidays 🫶🏾

GET READY TO HOST FRIENDSMAS WITH US 🎄✨

Another year, another season of hosting and it starts with the preparations the night before. My girl @tiwi_michelle came all the way through and helped me plan, prep and execute another fun lil evening for the holidays 🫶🏾

2024: A YEAR END REVIEW | Teamwork makes the dream work ✨

Honestly, embarking on our first in person event was exciting, exhausting, thrilling, and scary, but we did it. We did it delirious, we showed up and served the vision.My heart is so full even today when I think of the way the team sacrificed to ensure our event went smoothly. Tireless work goes on behind the scenes— we barely even managed to capture any footage of it. But we couldn’t end the year without going back to how it started…

So many people to thank! But @glowupsister and any event following this first one wouldn’t have been what is was without you

@tiwi_michelle @_ore__ @ashkolyn @moemotivez @kopano.tlhone @tino_alicia @b_kayh @mdotthe1st @leeaaho5 @racheloderinde @byharriee @_jxmes.m_ @tasharodrigues_

THE REALEST DREAM TEAM Y’ALL KNOW WHAT IT IS 🫶🏾

2024: A YEAR END REVIEW | Teamwork makes the dream work ✨

Honestly, embarking on our first in person event was exciting, exhausting, thrilling, and scary, but we did it. We did it delirious, we showed up and served the vision.My heart is so full even today when I think of the way the team sacrificed to ensure our event went smoothly. Tireless work goes on behind the scenes— we barely even managed to capture any footage of it. But we couldn’t end the year without going back to how it started…

So many people to thank! But @glowupsister and any event following this first one wouldn’t have been what is was without you

@tiwi_michelle @_ore__ @ashkolyn @moemotivez @kopano.tlhone @tino_alicia @b_kayh @mdotthe1st @leeaaho5 @racheloderinde @byharriee @_jxmes.m_ @tasharodrigues_

THE REALEST DREAM TEAM Y’ALL KNOW WHAT IT IS 🫶🏾

Allow me to reintroduce myself 👋🏾

Tatenda.
Creative.
Certified Lover Girl.
Self-Published Author.

I published my first book in 2020, with no idea who it might reach or what would come out of it. But God. I always knew I’d write again, just didn’t know what that might look like in this season of life.

From writing fanfictions as a teenager to my first romance novel a decade later. She’s doneee. I’ve had this title since 2023, and had no idea that this would be the form that it would take. I started then scrapped it. Then started again. Until it flowed. If you know, you know, I live to dream up characters and create stories and found a space that needed to be represented.

This one’s for the certified lover girls (and guys)… These characters have been in my head for over a decade and have been refined and matured and have grown with me through real life situations. We grew, we took the L’s and dusted ourselves off. We rediscovered ourselves through a new lens. And I’m just about ready for you to meet them. But in the mean time, I hope you’ll join me on this journey

WHILE WE WAIT ☁️📖✨

Allow me to reintroduce myself 👋🏾

Tatenda.
Creative.
Certified Lover Girl.
Self-Published Author.

I published my first book in 2020, with no idea who it might reach or what would come out of it. But God. I always knew I’d write again, just didn’t know what that might look like in this season of life.

From writing fanfictions as a teenager to my first romance novel a decade later. She’s doneee. I’ve had this title since 2023, and had no idea that this would be the form that it would take. I started then scrapped it. Then started again. Until it flowed. If you know, you know, I live to dream up characters and create stories and found a space that needed to be represented.

This one’s for the certified lover girls (and guys)… These characters have been in my head for over a decade and have been refined and matured and have grown with me through real life situations. We grew, we took the L’s and dusted ourselves off. We rediscovered ourselves through a new lens. And I’m just about ready for you to meet them. But in the mean time, I hope you’ll join me on this journey

WHILE WE WAIT ☁️📖✨

something magical happens in these rooms every time we go out on a whim to serve a vision much bigger than ourselves. this season of life continues to unpack the manifestation of dreams, hopes, and whispered prayers.

in aiming to curate a safe space for sisterhood and growth through @glowupsister, the same space has been held for me in community, sisterhood, accountability and making the journey feel less lonely.

rise & roar was birthed out of a DM and a phone call where @ebankshelena and I discussed our passions and shared desire to see women step into the fullness of who they are. and three months later, we brought that vision to the amazing women in the room. working together to inspire and teach women on holistic wholeness and watching what broke out in the room was insanely incredible.

as the journey continues, we can’t wait for what’s next… 👀

something magical happens in these rooms every time we go out on a whim to serve a vision much bigger than ourselves. this season of life continues to unpack the manifestation of dreams, hopes, and whispered prayers.

in aiming to curate a safe space for sisterhood and growth through @glowupsister, the same space has been held for me in community, sisterhood, accountability and making the journey feel less lonely.

rise & roar was birthed out of a DM and a phone call where @ebankshelena and I discussed our passions and shared desire to see women step into the fullness of who they are. and three months later, we brought that vision to the amazing women in the room. working together to inspire and teach women on holistic wholeness and watching what broke out in the room was insanely incredible.

as the journey continues, we can’t wait for what’s next… 👀

life lately

life lately

@jonasbrothers YOU OWE US NOTHING. Well worth the 15 year wait.

@jonasbrothers YOU OWE US NOTHING. Well worth the 15 year wait.

I’ll cry for the rest of my life. But I’ll also smile, laugh, and dance in between the tears. THANK GOD FOR THAT. I miss my brother real bad. Experiencing moments we talked about for years without him is bittersweet. Yet, there’s room for solace in knowing there’s nowhere I go that I don’t take him with me.

Inner child healing moments are paramount, and getting to do them with the one who’s lived through the experience with me is inexplicable. From sneaking in each other’s houses after school to watch Jonas Brothers movies and videos (and @ashkolyn crying in ICT when we found out Nick had diabetes), to finally experiencing them live fifteen years later.

While I’m no longer a teeny bopper, I can confirm I still love Nick Jonas.

I’ll cry for the rest of my life. But I’ll also smile, laugh, and dance in between the tears. THANK GOD FOR THAT. I miss my brother real bad. Experiencing moments we talked about for years without him is bittersweet. Yet, there’s room for solace in knowing there’s nowhere I go that I don’t take him with me.

Inner child healing moments are paramount, and getting to do them with the one who’s lived through the experience with me is inexplicable. From sneaking in each other’s houses after school to watch Jonas Brothers movies and videos (and @ashkolyn crying in ICT when we found out Nick had diabetes), to finally experiencing them live fifteen years later.

While I’m no longer a teeny bopper, I can confirm I still love Nick Jonas.

Our theme was Summer Essence and the girls UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT 📝 Whew, we had a timeeeee 🥂

I did say y’all were about to find out how @glowupsister and @sheinnovatesuk got down 👀

Our theme was Summer Essence and the girls UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT 📝 Whew, we had a timeeeee 🥂

I did say y’all were about to find out how @glowupsister and @sheinnovatesuk got down 👀

If you’d told me four years ago, in the middle of a pandemic, and in the weirdest, most confusing season of my life, that starting a lul podcast in my university studio would have led me to here… 🤧

The sisterhood and community that I spent seasons yearning for has become the reality of the women around me who cover me, laugh with me, and grow with me. This season truly is sisterhood examplified and it pours out into any space @glowupsister is a part of.

I’m still unpacking, there are so many people to thank and to honour. Something incredible was birthed over the weekend at Woman to Woman. Doing life with and serving with my sisters and curating these spaces that birth ideas, breakthroughs, relationships, and moments of solace and joy is my greatest honour. I love it here 🥹🤍

If you’d told me four years ago, in the middle of a pandemic, and in the weirdest, most confusing season of my life, that starting a lul podcast in my university studio would have led me to here… 🤧

The sisterhood and community that I spent seasons yearning for has become the reality of the women around me who cover me, laugh with me, and grow with me. This season truly is sisterhood examplified and it pours out into any space @glowupsister is a part of.

I’m still unpacking, there are so many people to thank and to honour. Something incredible was birthed over the weekend at Woman to Woman. Doing life with and serving with my sisters and curating these spaces that birth ideas, breakthroughs, relationships, and moments of solace and joy is my greatest honour. I love it here 🥹🤍

Food for thought 💭

Recently I’ve been thinking about what it means when we say faith without works is dead. And practically, we say it daily when we speak life and believe for change and hold on to hope… we have faith for what we want to see done in the earth. Everyone has an opinion or thought about what everyone else should be doing to be better. There’s faith and a whole of talk. And sometimes, that talk isn’t ever backed by action.

My dream is that we would become a generation who’s less concerned about perception and it looking like we have it all together or it looking like we’re shaking things up and instead would put our heads down and get to actually doing it. To quote the Migos, we have to become a generation who ‘Walk it like we talk it’ (sorry I had to add a hip hop reference, but I digress 🫣). In some seasons, that might look like fixing your focus on the task at hand and working on something even when there are no eyes on you. Back your faith talk by what you’re putting in.

The last few months have been a season of working in silence to curate a room and a space to bring diverse women across different walks of life together. On Saturday the girls are getting together for Woman to Woman and I can’t wait to see the product of months of collaboration, preparation and prayer. My hope is that women in this generation through community would actualise everything that they’ve been called to be. That as they hold onto the revelation, every woman connected to them would step into that same revelation, and start moving and shaking things in her sphere of influence. Cause if 1 can chase 1,000 and two can chase 10,000 ahhhhh— let me save it for Saturday 😂🫶🏾

There are still a few limited tickets left, and if you can get to Manchester on Saturday I’d love for you to meet us there, and if you’re already coming, bring a sister, mother, auntie or friend! 🤍

Food for thought 💭

Recently I’ve been thinking about what it means when we say faith without works is dead. And practically, we say it daily when we speak life and believe for change and hold on to hope… we have faith for what we want to see done in the earth. Everyone has an opinion or thought about what everyone else should be doing to be better. There’s faith and a whole of talk. And sometimes, that talk isn’t ever backed by action.

My dream is that we would become a generation who’s less concerned about perception and it looking like we have it all together or it looking like we’re shaking things up and instead would put our heads down and get to actually doing it. To quote the Migos, we have to become a generation who ‘Walk it like we talk it’ (sorry I had to add a hip hop reference, but I digress 🫣). In some seasons, that might look like fixing your focus on the task at hand and working on something even when there are no eyes on you. Back your faith talk by what you’re putting in.

The last few months have been a season of working in silence to curate a room and a space to bring diverse women across different walks of life together. On Saturday the girls are getting together for Woman to Woman and I can’t wait to see the product of months of collaboration, preparation and prayer. My hope is that women in this generation through community would actualise everything that they’ve been called to be. That as they hold onto the revelation, every woman connected to them would step into that same revelation, and start moving and shaking things in her sphere of influence. Cause if 1 can chase 1,000 and two can chase 10,000 ahhhhh— let me save it for Saturday 😂🫶🏾

There are still a few limited tickets left, and if you can get to Manchester on Saturday I’d love for you to meet us there, and if you’re already coming, bring a sister, mother, auntie or friend! 🤍

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