a day ago
Stirring up success with resilience
FROM the streets of Kharwastan and Chatsworth's popular Bangladesh Market Unit 3 to winning Best of Durban Reader's Choice Awards three years in a row, Aunty Ranjini's journey is nothing short of remarkable.
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'For me, Women's Month is an inspiration month. It's a time to honour the women that came before us and all women who are trying, who keep trying, and never give up.'
Her own story is a powerful reflection of that sentiment. Naidoo's path to success began out of necessity.
'My children were my inspiration. We needed finances to support them and times were hard,' she said.
'My dad inspired me to start small. I walked the streets and took orders for bread and milk. That's how it started.'
With the support of the close-knit Kharwastan community and her in-laws, whom she describes as true farming pioneers, she slowly built a foundation, opening a tuckshop in 1997 and growing it into a thriving business over the years.
Years later, she found herself in Moseley, opening The Curry O's and serving the community of Queensburgh.
As a woman entrepreneur, she faced significant challenges, chief among them, financial strain. But she never allowed those obstacles to define her.
'I kept reinvesting whatever little I had back into the business. It took perseverance. That's what brought me and my family here. You just don't give up.'
The Curry O's is more than just a food brand, it's a celebration of culture, tradition, and love.
'Our food is addictive,' Naidoo said with a smile.
'It's the spices, the old-school cooking, the recipes inspired by my mother. People keep coming back because it reminds them of home.'
For her, the journey has always been about more than profits.
'I've done everything, made and sold roti, clothing, anything to keep going. The most important thing is to start. Women are strong. God built us that way. Use that strength to feed your passion.'
She urges women with business dreams not to wait for perfect circumstances.
'Start from home. Be smart with your money. Reinvest. Build capital. That dream holiday? It'll come. But first, you've got to work hard. Dreams don't work unless you do.'
Today, Naidoo employs several women; many of them single mothers who've been with her for nearly two decades.
Her love for nurturing extends beyond her business. She's also a passionate gardener, finding joy in growing dhania, parsley, thyme, mint, and her beloved anthuriums, among many other plants and shrubs.
'Through my journey I've learnt about my own strength and determination. Each of my family plays a huge role in the daily running of the business and I am grateful to each of them for making this dream come true. Our business motto is simple: Never give up.'
Her message to young women is to be wise with finances.
'Be wise with your money. Protect your finances. Be willing to work hard and remember, even if you start small, you can grow something beautiful. Just like a seed, you only need to plant it and give it love.'
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