Seven local business women share their story and a piece of advice.
Dr Niresha MudalyÂ
Specialist Psychiatrist
Most FulfillingÂ
I see people during the most vulnerable and difficult times of their lives, and I play a part in helping them get through it! It’s rewarding to see someone grow in confidence after struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. The mental health field is also emerging with so many scientific advances that can be dabbled in, like emerging psychotherapy, ketamine and hormonal replacements.
Breaking Misconceptions
The stigma that mental illness is a sign of weakness, that it is something that you must ‘get over’ or that only some people can get ill, can be a dangerous belief. Mental illness often combines biological, psychological, social, and spiritual domains, warranting intervention and treatment like any other medical condition.
Advice for Women
The perimenopausal patient is someone I am seeing increasingly in my practice. It is a period that can last up to 10 years and is a very vulnerable time in a woman’s life. The five warning signs are: sleep changes, emotional changes, physical symptoms, intellectual changes or cognitive challenges and behavioural changes.
What can we do? Practise relaxation techniques, self-care, get hormone replacement therapy, and/or seek professional help. Developing coping skills and building supportive relationships will help navigate life’s challenges.
031 941 6871
Marnica WeyersÂ
Ngozi Collection
The Birth of Ngozi
From humble beginnings as a hobby in 2020, Ngozi Collection blossomed into a thriving small leather business during the pandemic. Beginning in my garage with hand-stitching leather, I transitioned to an industrial machine gifted on my birthday. One creation led to another, eventually amassing enough stock for a roadside stall owned by my mother in Knysna. Subsequently, receiving numerous private orders expanded our presence to several stockists across South Africa.
Inspiration
Inspired by simplicity and practicality for everyday use, I find excitement in working with my hands, feeling leather textures, and crafting durable products.
Proudest Moment
In April 2022, I hired my first staff member, and we’ve since grown into a team of nine, working around the clock at our premises at Sugar Rush Park. Sourcing leather, cutting, preparing, sewing, and retailing occur on-site. We procure our leather, hardware, and haberdashery from local suppliers around Pinetown and Durban.
Advice for Women
Don’t wait for perfection to launch – refinement comes through real-world feedback!
Dr Bhavna JugadoeÂ
Eye SpecialistÂ
Why Eye Care
My mum was short-sighted and she always wanted me to help improve her eyesight. As one’s vision is invaluable, helping patients to restore their eyesight is extremely rewarding. Ophthalmology is an intricate field with a great balance of clinical and surgical skills.Â
Most Common Eye Issues
Theconditions I see most oftenarediabetic retinopathy (eye complications as a result of diabetes), cataracts and glaucoma.Â
Everyday Eye Health Tips
Wearing sunglasses, taking breaks during screen time, ensuring proper lighting when reading, maintaining a healthy diet (foods rich in antioxidants, such as green leafy vegetables, colourful fruits and vegetables, oily fish and foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc are important for eye health) and most importantly, regular eye exams.Â
Exciting Advances in Eye Care
I am most excited about the advanced technology of intraocular lenses, which are implanted at the time of cataract surgery, such as multifocal lenses.
 032 004 0064Â
Ribumed Medical Centre, Odyssey, 1 Simbithi Dr
Lee ShellyÂ
Lee Shelly Interiors
Starting the Business
My path into interiors wasn’t direct – I actually trained as a nursing sister, which deepened my empathy and understanding of people. I’ve always been passionate about art and interiors, so I followed my heart and started my own business, merging creativity with connection. I wouldn’t change a thing.Â
Signature Style
While I have a personal love for timeless classics and a little sentimentality, I’m very conscious that I’m not creating my own dream space – I’m crafting someone else’s. My signature style is adaptable, respectful of budget and personal taste, and always aims to reflect the person or family who will live in the space.Â
Exciting Project Moments
Meeting new people and hearing their stories is where the spark begins. I genuinely love collaborating – understanding the vision, the constraints, and helping clients bring a space to life that truly feels liketheirs.Â
Creative Flow
Inspiration is everywhere. The changing seasons, colours in nature, even conversations with strangers – all feed into my creative work. I try not to rely solely on trends, which come and go. Real life is my muse.Â
082 899 5422
