Zari Hassan, the Ugandan socialite, entrepreneur, and media personality, recently opened up about a lesser-known chapter of her life, revealing that she once worked as a maid in the United Kingdom. In an emotional interview shared on her son Raphael Tlale’s YouTube channel, Zari detailed her struggles and the various jobs she took on during a challenging period, highlighting her resilience and determination to create a better future for herself.
Zari, often regarded for her luxurious lifestyle and success in the entertainment industry, candidly shared that her journey to wealth and fame was far from glamorous. She left Uganda in search of better opportunities, like many others from Africa, with dreams of improving her life and finding financial stability. However, upon arriving in the UK, she found herself working low-paying jobs to make ends meet. In her heartfelt interview, she revealed that among the roles she took on was that of a maid, cleaning houses and doing laundry.
“I’ve actually been a maid at some point. I did laundry and cleaned houses in the UK. It was all part of my effort to achieve a better life,” Zari said, acknowledging that the experience shaped her outlook on hard work and success. For many who have admired her glamorous lifestyle, this revelation adds a layer of depth to her public persona, demonstrating the grit behind the glitter.
Zari explained that her time as a maid, along with other jobs, taught her valuable life lessons. While working in these roles, she gained immense respect for household assistants, a sentiment she still carries to this day. “Working as a maid and handling household chores has given me immense respect for house assistants. I don’t take them for granted because I’ve been in their shoes,” she shared.
In addition to housekeeping, Zari also worked late-night shifts in supermarkets, packing sandwiches and groceries to support herself financially. These were grueling jobs that required physical stamina, long hours, and dedication, but she pushed through with a clear vision of where she wanted to be.
“I’ve been working since I was 17. People often think ‘she’s just living this life,’ but I’ve truly earned it,” she added, referring to the public’s perception of her current wealth and success. Zari’s story is a powerful reminder that success does not come overnight, and even those who seem to live in the spotlight have gone through immense struggles behind the scenes.
One of the most poignant moments in the interview was when Zari recalled facing financial hardship due to an unexpected expense. While living in the UK, she received a large phone bill after making international calls to her mother in Uganda. Unaware of how much the calls were costing, she was devastated to learn that her entire week’s wage would go toward paying the bill.
“I was shocked to learn I wouldn’t be paid due to the high telephone bill. I didn’t have money, relying solely on my weekly wages,” Zari shared, recounting the difficult period. It was a wake-up call for her, as she realized that working just to cover basic living expenses was not the future she wanted.
“I didn’t want to just work for rent and transport. I aspired for better,” she concluded, emphasizing her determination to change her circumstances and reach for more than just survival.
Zari’s journey is one of resilience, perseverance, and a refusal to settle for less. Today, she is known for her entrepreneurial ventures and social media influence, but her story of struggle and triumph serves as a powerful testament to the idea that hard work, no matter how difficult, can lead to success. It also sheds light on her deep respect for those in domestic labor, a respect born from her personal experience of walking in their shoes.
Her story resonates with many, particularly those who are also seeking a better future through hard work and perseverance. It offers inspiration, showing that no matter where you start, with the right mindset and dedication, it’s possible to create the life you dream of.
