Meet Berita Sibanda

We had the good fortune of connecting with Berita Sibanda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Berita, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career because creativity is at the core of who I am. I first realized I was a creative in high school, and over time I discovered that my talents could not be confined to just one lane. As a singer, songwriter, model, actress, content creator, designer, visual artist, poet, and business owner, I have always been passionate about exploring different forms of self-expression.
What drew me to a creative career is the freedom it gives me to embrace every aspect of my versatility. Rather than choosing one passion over another, I have built a life that allows me to pursue them all. Creativity is the one space where I feel completely at home—at peace, fulfilled, content, and truly myself.
Through my work, I hope to inspire people to understand that they are not limited by labels, expectations, or fear. We are all capable of becoming more than one thing and achieving more than we imagine when we commit ourselves fully to our dreams.
There’s a saying that if you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. That philosophy resonates deeply with me. I chose a creative career because it allows me to wake up every day doing what I love while creating work that can inspire, uplift, and connect with others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art, to me, is not confined to one discipline. I am a singer, songwriter, model, actress, content creator, designer, poet, visual artist, and entrepreneur, and each of those roles is an extension of who I am. I don’t see them as separate careers competing for my attention; I see them as different expressions of the same creative spirit. My work is unique because it is a fusion of all these crafts, blending together to tell stories, inspire others, and create meaningful experiences.

The themes that consistently appear throughout my work are empowerment, self-love, resilience, faith, and ambition. Whether I am creating content, designing, writing poetry, performing, or building my business, I want people to walk away feeling inspired, empowered, and reminded of their own potential. If I had to describe my brand in three words, they would be: unique, inspiring, and empowering.

Professionally, my journey began in a way I never expected. For a long time, my talents were deeply personal and only shared with close friends and family. I never truly considered them as something that could become a career. My entrepreneurial journey started when I worked on an advertisement for a food brand, and my sister encouraged me to take my passion for cooking and baking seriously. She created a social media page for me, which eventually evolved into Berita Bakes. My brother assisted with marketing and support, and what began as a simple passion gradually grew into a business. That experience taught me the importance of allowing others to see possibilities in you that you may not yet see in yourself.

The journey has not always been easy. There were seasons when I found myself comparing my progress to people who seemed more accomplished or more skilled. At times, I felt overwhelmed trying to balance so many different talents and wondered whether I should focus on just one path. There were moments when I considered giving up altogether because the weight of managing so many ambitions felt daunting.

What helped me overcome those challenges was a combination of faith, self-belief, and the support of those around me. Faith reminded me that every person’s journey is different and that comparison only distracts us from our purpose. I learned that growth takes time and that mastery is not achieved overnight. Instead of seeing my many talents as a burden, I began to view them as gifts that deserved to be nurtured.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that you do not have to fit yourself into a single box to succeed. Society often encourages people to choose one identity, one dream, or one path, but I believe we are allowed to embrace every gift we have been given. I have learned not to be afraid of failure, not to be afraid of trying, and not to allow the opinions of others to dictate the direction of my life.

Above all, I want the world to know that my story is a testament to possibility. You can be multifaceted. You can pursue more than one passion. You can build a life that reflects every part of who you are. If my journey teaches people anything, I hope it teaches them that they should never limit themselves. The legacy I hope to leave behind is one that inspires others to boldly embrace their gifts, walk in their purpose, and trust that with faith, perseverance, and hard work, they are capable of becoming everything they were created to be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit Bedfordview for a week, I would want them to experience the area through the lens of creativity, beautiful food, meaningful conversations, and memorable experiences. As someone who is deeply artistic, I am naturally drawn to places that blend aesthetics, culture, and great cuisine.
Our mornings would start with coffee and breakfast at tashas Bedfordview or Platō Coffee – Bedfordview, both of which offer beautiful spaces to sit, create, and people-watch while enjoying excellent food and coffee.
We would spend our afternoons exploring spaces such as Bedford Centre and Village View Shopping Centre. Beyond shopping, I love observing fashion, design, architecture, and the creative energy that exists within these lifestyle spaces.
For a dose of nature and inspiration, I would take them to Gillooly’s Farm. As a creative, I find that some of my best ideas come when I am surrounded by greenery, water, and open space. It’s the perfect place to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.
Evenings would be dedicated to exceptional dining experiences. We would enjoy a sophisticated dinner at Pigalle Restaurant Bedfordview, known for its elegant atmosphere, and another evening would be spent at Fireroom Bedfordview, where dining feels theatrical and immersive.
For breathtaking views and a memorable night out, I would definitely take them to The 11th Floor Restaurant. There is something magical about seeing Johannesburg from above while sharing great food and even better conversations.
Because I love experiences that spark creativity and imagination, I would also include an adventure at Hashtag Escape. Creative people thrive on problem-solving and storytelling, and escape rooms are a fun way to challenge yourself while creating unforgettable memories.
To end the week, we would visit The Bedfordview Night Market, where food, local talent, community, and culture come together in one vibrant space. As someone who values entrepreneurship and creativity, I love supporting local businesses and discovering new artists and makers.
What I love most about Bedfordview is that it balances sophistication with warmth. It offers beautiful dining, creative inspiration, entrepreneurial energy, and spaces where people can connect. To me, the perfect week isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next—it’s about collecting meaningful experiences, sharing great food, appreciating beauty in all its forms, and creating memories with the people you love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s difficult for me to dedicate my shoutout to just one person because my journey has been shaped by a collective of people who have poured their love, belief, and support into me. First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge my father,my mother, my sister, and my brother. Each of them has played a unique role in helping me become the person I am today.

My sister has always been one of my biggest advocates. She constantly recognizes my talents, encourages me to pursue opportunities, sends me applications, engages with my work, and reminds me that success begins with simply being willing to try. She has taught me that fear of failure should never be greater than the desire to grow.

My mother has been a pillar of unwavering support. From accompanying me to auditions and helping me choose outfits to listening to my ideas and celebrating even the smallest victories, she has always made me feel seen, heard, and capable. Her belief in me has often strengthened my belief in myself.

My brother’s support may be quieter, but it is just as significant. Whether it’s driving me to auditions, helping me source what I need for my businesses, or simply showing up when it matters, he has consistently been someone I can depend on.

Above all, I give glory to God. Faith has been the foundation of my journey. There have been moments when the road felt uncertain and the outcome unclear, but faith has carried me through every season. It has taught me that purpose often requires perseverance and that what is meant for you will never pass you by.

If there is one lesson I have learned from the people who support me, it is this: never be afraid to try. Failure is not the end of the world; often, it is a stepping stone toward growth. Their encouragement has taught me to pursue my dreams boldly, to trust my gifts, and to focus less on the opinions of others and more on the calling placed on my life. Any success I have achieved is not mine alone,it is a reflection of the love, faith, and support that surrounded me every step of the way.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berita_sibanda?igsh=YzlwMThrNGVsd2Vm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/176h7epibz/

Other: Tiktok : tiktok.com/@iambe_rita

Instagram baking business:

https://www.instagram.com/berita_bakes?igsh=bzcxemEydzNwMTd0

Image Credits
Photographer: Amara Visser
Wardrobe Stylist: Khosi Dlamini
Makeup Artist: Lethabo Maseko
Hairstylist: Nia Zwide