Page 41 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Seshmi Holloway

Managing Director at JRS Solutions Samuel, Shesmi’s son, who recently completed a computer especially when working capital was tight. “But over
science degree, has joined the business, bringing inno- time, we built the business to a point where we could
vation and fresh perspectives. “He’s helping us expand and attract the necessary capital, and compliance played a
eshmi Holloway, the managing director stretch our thinking, which is exciting,” Sheshmi says with key role in this. You need to be disciplined about things
S of JRS Solutions leads a company that pride. “It’s great to see the next generation involved and like VAT, taxes, and ensuring that your financial systems
specialises in electronic security solutions,
offering services in access control, CCTV, information contributing to the company’s growth.” are in order,” she stresses. “Without financial discipline, it’s
impossible to grow a business. And that was one of our
and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, and In addition to running JRS Solutions, Seshmi is passionate
greatest achievements; becoming a compliant company.”
port automation. With over 16 years of experience in the about supporting other entrepreneurs. She has been a As a result, JRS Solutions was supported through grants
industry, JRS Solutions has become a prominent player, part of several enterprise development programmes,
from Invcuvest for the past five years. “If it wasn’t for them,
representing an internationally recognised company at including those focused on supply chain development we wouldn’t be we are today,” added Seshmi.
the ports of Durban and Port Elizabeth. and quality management. “I’ve had the privilege of
working with outstanding mentors who have helped me Personal challenges also presented themselves along the
“Our port automation solutions focus on access control grow as both a person and a business leader,” Holloway way. Seshmi speaks candidly about battling self-doubt
for trucks entering the terminals,” says Seshmi. “We
shares. “These experiences have shaped me and have and imposter syndrome. “I’ve struggled with fear of failure
maintain and support the automation systems that taken the business to the next level.” and not knowing enough, but what keeps me going
regulate these entries.”
is knowing that failure isn’t the end,” she reflects. “It’s a
GLOBAL ASPIRATIONS
Seshmi’s journey into the world of electronic security stepping stone. Every failure teaches you something.”
wasn’t one she had initially envisioned. As a mother of JRS Solutions has grown into a recognised player in the
Looking ahead, Seshmi is focused on expanding JRS
three, she started her entrepreneurial journey by selling electronic security industry. “Two years ago, we moved
stationery, seeking flexibility to balance family life. from being a small and medium enterprise to a qualifying Solutions beyond South Africa and into Africa. “The goal is
to become a hub for Africa, manufacturing export-ready
small enterprise. We are on a trajectory to grow even
“The business grew beyond my expertise, and so I joined further, and this year, we’ve been able to maintain our ISO products and making a global impact,” she explains.
forces with my husband, who is an electronics engineer,” 9001 certification for the past ten years.” “We’re already representing an international company in
she recalls. “Together, we decided to expand the business Europe, and now we want to take it further.”
and market it. I had to quickly adapt, learning a lot Under Seshmi’s leadership, JRS Solutions has been
When asked about advice for young entrepreneurs, Seshmi
about electronics, CCTV, surveillance, and access control. featured in various industry publications and recog-
Entering a male-dominated industry was daunting, but nised for its outstanding achievements. Another is clear: “Don’t let fear silence your purpose. Don’t let
perseverance helped me thrive.” achievement was the company’s successful exit from insecurities or doubts stop you from pursuing your passion.
an investment programme with Edge Growth through Find what you love and do it to the best of your ability. And
Seshmi’s determination led her to navigate the Engen where they paid off their loan and witnessed the never give up. We all can bounce back from failure.”
complexities of the ICT industry, where she attended fruits of the investment.
site meetings and learned technical aspects of the As for balancing work, family, and personal life, Seshmi
admits it’s a constant juggling act. “Life is hectic. I
business. “It was a steep learning curve, but I’ve always In addition to this, JRS Solutions was recognised as the
have children, a business, and I’m involved in various
believed that if you work hard enough and stay focused, Best IT Solutions Company by the Durban University of
you can overcome challenges,” she adds. Technology’s Centre for Software Engineering (DUT CSE). community and church activities. But finding time for
Seshmi also mentors entrepreneurs at DUT’s incubation reflection and prioritising self-care is essential,” she says.
A VISION FOR IMPACT programme, imparting her knowledge on quality “For young mothers, I’d advise you to take the time to

Building a business that leaves a lasting impact has management systems and financial management. “It’s attend those school events, spend time with your
children, and enjoy those precious moments. Time flies,
always been Seshmi’s goal. The name of her company, incredibly fulfilling to be able to teach others and share and you don’t want to miss them.”
JRS Solutions, carries deep personal significance, as it is what I’ve learned over the years,” she says.
an acronym for her three children: Joshua, Rebecca, and Seshmi believes that every entrepreneur’s journey is
Samuel. “The business is a legacy for them,” she explains. THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE unique and should be celebrated. “In a world where social
“I want it to make a significant impact not only in the However, Seshmi acknowledges the challenges that media often pressures us to conform to a certain image,
economy but also in the lives of people. It’s not just about have come with running a business. One of the biggest it’s important to embrace our authenticity,” she concludes.
creating jobs, but about empowering people.” hurdles she faced was attracting investment and loans, “We are all making a difference in our own way.”

− 41 −