BLESS MAZARURA’S life reads like a fashion odyssey, beginning in the villages of Zimbabwe and ascending to the glittering runways of Milan, Paris, and New York. As the founder, designer, and creative mastermind of the fashion house Bless by Bless, Mazarura’s path is a remarkable story of resilience, love, and gratitude. His journey, marked by humble beginnings, bold leaps of faith, and a commitment to artistry, serves as a testament to the power of dreaming big and staying grounded in one’s values.
Today, Bless by Bless is a globally recognized brand—an evocative fusion of fashion and craftsmanship. Mazarura’s designs captivate the world with their elegance and authenticity, but the soul of his work is rooted in a deep appreciation for family, community, and the desire to make a difference.
“I love fashion, but I’ve never connected with how the industry operates traditionally,” said Mazarura.
“Bless by Bless was built on the idea of infinite gratitude—giving and receiving as mutual blessings. It’s like a palindrome, read either way, just as true connection flows both ways. The missing link in fashion isn’t just sustainability for the planet but how people treat each other. There’s plenty of focus on helping the earth, but not enough on fostering real human connection.”
Mazarura’s story is a reminder that true success isn’t just about where you end up—it’s about the journey, the people who support you along the way, and the love you carry through it all.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Bless Mazarura didn’t have much in terms of material wealth. But even as a young boy, there was a spark of creativity in him that refused to be dimmed. His mother, unknowingly laying the foundation for his future, nurtured that spark by encouraging his artistic curiosity.
“I didn’t even realize it back then, but my mom had planted the seeds for fashion in my life,” Mazarura recalls.
“I would sit next to her while she sewed. Every once in a while, she would get me involved and make me feel important because I was threading the needle for her machine or cutting fabric. That was my first connection with fashion.”
At just 12 years old, he took a step that many wouldn’t dream of: making his own clothes for school.
Mazarura’s mom taught him a trick—find clothing similar in shape to what you want, cut it, and use it as a template for a pattern. Then, transfer the lines onto new fabric.
At that point, Mazarura couldn’t sew. Using his allowance, he designed his first piece—a bold flannel-and-denim vest—and brought it to a tailor to bring his vision to life.
“I took my design to the tailor, and they made my first piece. I painted the jeans to match. It was a hooded sleeveless vest with thick square pockets and a hoodie,” Mazarura said. “It was the first time I realized that an idea in my head could become something real—something I could wear.”
That vest marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with design, though it would take years of twists and turns before his dream fully materialized.
After finishing school in Zimbabwe, Mazarura knew he wanted to pursue a creative career. He moved to the United States, the place where creativity thrived, according to his favorite Hollywood movies.
Bless left Zimbabwe with $60 in his pocket and a dream. His journey took him across several states, where he navigated the complexities of new cultures and customs.
“I had to learn everything,” Bless said. “Things like Thanksgiving—what was that? I had no idea.”
He recalls his first Thanksgiving experience with humor and gratitude, remembering how his friend Michael invited him over and introduced him to this new holiday centered on a feast and gratitude.
Eventually, Mazarura made his way to Boston, where he enrolled at Montserrat College of Art. Immersing himself in art and design, he began experimenting with new styles and mediums, and Bless by Bless was born. His passion for fashion reignited, and he soon found himself creating custom hoodies, embellishing them with jewels and messages of hope, faith, and love that captured people’s attention.
“The hoodies were fun,” he said. “At first, it was just something I did on the side, but people kept asking for more. That’s when I realized—I might really be onto something here.”
Despite his initial success, life’s priorities shifted when Mazarura became a father. He made the difficult decision to pause his fashion career and focus on raising his Lyv. “That time away gave me perspective,” he said. “It reminded me why I create—to show love, express gratitude, and inspire.”
When he returned to the fashion world six years later, Mazarura was more determined than ever to push the boundaries of his craft. Teaching himself how to sew while spending time with his family, he re-entered the industry with a collection that extended far beyond hoodies.
“I got a sewing machine and taught myself,” Mazarura said. “I haven’t taken any fashion classes or sewing lessons. I just learned, made my prototypes, and did it all because I wanted it so badly.”
He mastered the art of designing dresses, pants, and other intricate garments, creating handcrafted pieces that soon turned heads on international runways.
“I design based on feeling,” said Mazarura. “I’m a very visual person. I imagine someone entering a room, a party, or poolside, wearing the piece. It helps me in the creation process.”
Mazarura’s designs aim not only to boost confidence but also to spark conversations.
“When I design, I want people to discover a new version of themselves,” said Mazarura. “I call it a ‘walk of conversation.’ When someone wears one of my pieces, I want it to start a dialogue.”
Bless lives by this philosophy. One standout example is his Time Traveler Jacket, an innovative design that transforms into a pillow or bag.
“Every time I wear that jacket—or any of my designs—whether in Boston, Paris, or elsewhere, people stop me,” he said. “They’ll ask, ‘What is this?’ or assume I’m a musician or actor because the clothes make such a statement. Those ‘aha’ moments are the most rewarding.”
With such captivating designs, Bless by Bless quickly rose in the global fashion scene, with collections showcased from New York to Milan and Paris. His work is celebrated not just for craftsmanship but for telling a story of perseverance, gratitude, and love.
But for Mazarura, success is not just about fashion. In 2019, he founded The Army of Luv, a nonprofit built on action-driven compassion, focusing on making a positive impact through love and gratitude.
“It’s a space where we come together and do good,” Mazarura said.
Unlike traditional charities, The Army of Luv focuses on volunteerism and participation, emphasizing that love must be proactive to address challenges effectively.
This December, Mazarura will return to Boston to headline the highly anticipated Runway Ball at the Park Plaza Hotel. As the featured designer, Bless by Bless will open the show for the second consecutive year, adding another chapter to his fashion journey.
“The Runway Ball goes beyond fashion,” he said. “It’s about community, creativity, and connection.”
As Mazarura reflects on his journey, he remains ambitious about the future.
“I think I’m only at about 40% of my potential,” he said with a smile.
From Zimbabwe to Boston, from hand-embellished hoodies to international runways, Mazarura’s story is still unfolding. As the spotlight shines on him this December, one thing is certain: he’s not just designing clothes—he’s building something much larger.
And as for what lies ahead?
“The best is yet to come.”
