In celebration of Women’s Month, meet a few inspiring local women running successful businesses along our coast. Discover their stories of passion, dedication, and resilience as they set new standards for excellence in our community.
Dumpling Bar
Success at Dumpling Bar, led by Cindy, stems from creating a welcoming atmosphere and sharing a passion for food. Adapting to culinary trends, empowering staff, balancing work-life, and viewing challenges as opportunities are essential. Despite setbacks, maintaining positivity and focusing on solutions strengthens the team. Their future goals include expanding locations, community partnerships, and menu innovation. Positive leadership fosters a culture of growth, and seeing customers connect over food drives Cindy and her team to continuously experiment with new flavours and concepts.
Tell: 082 805 7070
Address: shop 3, Lozi Park, Phezulu Dr, Ballito, Durban, 4420
Dr Bhavna Jugadoe
Her success as an ophthalmologist is driven by hard work, dedication, and keeping up with innovations and technology through ongoing learning. Providing comprehensive care and excellent service while listening to her patients ensures her passion for helping them is fulfilled. The love and support of her husband, Leraj Lekha, and her children, Ruhan and Myra, are vital. Dr Jugadoe aims to establish a successful ophthalmology practice at Ribumed Day Hospital in Ballito. Inspired by her strong-willed mother, she values creativity and education. The gratitude of her patients upon restoring their vision energises her and makes her job rewarding.
Tel: 032 004 0064
Website: www.eyespecialist-kzn.co.za
10 uit 10 Skryfbehoeftes
Wilma’s success is rooted in valuing and building strong customer relationships, making the store a household name in Ballito. She is inspired by both her mother and mother-in-law. The best advice Wilma received was to tackle big tasks bit by bit. Sharing her passion for stationery with the Ballito community is a daily thrill. Customers have become friends, and providing excellent products and service is her main focus. The store offers a wide range of services, catering to the diverse needs of its customers.
Tel: 032 586 1690
Website: www.10uit10.officenational.co.za
Supertrack Curtains & Blinds
Sharmla’s success is built on supportive relationships, trust,continuous learning, and adaptability which is key to growth. During tough times, she stays positive, practices gratitude, learns from setbacks and seeks advice. Her goals are to expand her sewing unit and create an online store. Inspired by her resilient mother, Sharmla values empathy and strength. The best advice she’s received is to focus on providing value and building good relationships by understanding customer needs. Creativity, learning, and embracing new technologies keep her motivated.
Tel: 084 515 8027
Website: www.supertrackkzn.com
Margaret Berichon Design
Crediting her success to the strong relationships she cultivates with clients, many of whom become friends and loyal customers, Margaret aims to create innovative turnkey spec-built homes that combine quality design with affordability. During challenging times, careful planning and patience, supported by her clients, have been essential. Margaret draws inspiration from South African designer Maira Koutsoudakis, admired for her business acumen alongside motherhood. She values advice that encourages hard work, dedication, and trusting instincts. Margaret thrives on the diversity of her projects and collaborates closely with architects, builders, and developers to ensure projects remain within schedule and budget. Notably, Margaret Berichon is NHBRC registered, a distinction among only a few women in South Africa.
Email: margaret@bdesignstudio.co.za
Website: www.bdesignstudio.co.za
TopForm Holistic Health
Teresa has been specialising in holistic health and safe weight loss solutions for over 15 years, serving both local and international clients. She offers comprehensive assessments and supports clients in understanding and boosting their body’s defences. Education is key, empowering clients with tools for a balanced, disease-free life, including concepts like the Gut-Brain Axis and Intestinal Microbiota. Teresa’s systems approach improves symptoms across various health areas, from gut and hormone health to stress and anxiety. She is inspired by client success stories and her belief in natural, holistic longevity, promoting kindness and attentiveness to achieve personal aspirations.
Tel: 082 452 7936
Facebook: @TopFormSA
Skin Solutions MD – Ballito
Dr Parushinee Naidoo attributes her success to adapting to change and learning from every experience. She values meaningful relationships with patients, staff, and colleagues. During tough times, she reconnects with her core values and goals, drawing strength from family support and taking breaks for perspective. Inspired by ordinary women achieving extraordinary feats, including her patients and her daughter, she finds motivation in their resilience and creativity. The best advice she’s received is to follow her passion in her work, believing that fulfilment will naturally follow.
Tel: 087 354 9043
Website: www.skinsolutionssa.co.za
TashB Pilates
Tash Barnard has built a warm and welcoming community centred around BASI Pilates since 2007. Trained by Master Trainer Rael Isacowitz, she prioritises community over competition, fostering a supportive environment inside her studio located within Linc Church. Tash’s vision and heart’s deepest desire was to set a high standard in the local Pilates industry, influencing many BASI-trained instructors. Her studio focuses on quality with a dedicated team, emphasising client care and personal empowerment. Beyond Pilates, Tash’s outreach projects like “Buckets of Hope” align with her commitment to community support. She adapted during COVID-19 with online classes, reaching global participants. Tash’s dedication to Pilates and community continues to inspire, embodying the ethos of service and compassion in her practice.
Email: admin@tashbpilates.co.za
Website: www.tashbpilates.co.za
FOMO
Isabelle Rey, a driving force behind a successful business, attributes her achievements to one key factor: consistency. During tough times, her faith and unwavering positivity have been essential. Isabelle’s goal is to continue doing what she loves. She embraces challenges, especially those involving learning and being open to constructive criticism. The best advice she received from her work partner and sister-in-law, Jacqui Rey, is to charge what she is worth. Her creativity and collaboration with an amazing team drives her and enables them to create exceptional food together.
Tel: 032 946 3173
Website: www.foodmatters.co.za
AMC Hunter
With over 40 years in property law and conveyancing, Karien Hunter, founder of AMC Hunter INC, brings unmatched expertise to guiding property development and corporate clients. Beyond her professional endeavours, Karien actively supports non-profits and community initiatives to drive positive change. Renowned for her sharp dispute-resolution skills and dedication to empowering others, Karien is particularly passionate about mentoring the next generation of lawyers and fostering their growth. Her leadership is characterised by excellence and a commitment to shaping the future of real estate.
Phone: +27 83 449 2969
Website: www.amchunter.co.za
