Page 69 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Rashika Reddy

Manager of Coastal Farmers Eshowe ROOTED IN FAMILY
women are capable of achieving anything they set their
Rashika credits her grandparents as her greatest inspiration. minds to, we define our own worth.”
ashika Reddy, manager of Coastal Farmers “I was raised by my grandmother and grandfather from Beyond her corporate and pageantry pursuits,
R Eshowe, has built a remarkable 21- the time I was a day old. They taught me values that still Rashika is also a motivational speaker, leadership and
year career in the agricultural sector, guide me today and that I now pass on to my daughter,”
a journey defined by perseverance, leadership and she shared. “My grandfather taught me to be outspoken, development coach, and philanthropist. In 2023, she
a passion for empowering others. Coastal Farmers, resilient, and to never settle for less. It’s a pity he isn’t here launched a period poverty initiative to support rural
a proudly established agricultural cooperative, will to witness my achievements because I know he would schools around Eshowe. “Helping young girls access
celebrate its 80th anniversary next year, marking have been so proud. Today, I can confidently say I am a basic hygiene products is something close to my heart,”
eight decades of dedication, growth and service to woman of substance and worth.” she explained. “It’s about restoring dignity and ensuring
the farming community. The company supports a that no girl misses school because of her period.”
diverse agricultural environment, working closely At Coastal Farmers, Rashika has forged strong connec- Her message to others is both powerful and personal:
with both large commercial and small-scale emerging tions within the farming community. “Many of my “Go after your dreams and never let anyone’s disbelief
farmers across KwaZulu-Natal. “Our business serves clients own multiple farms and rely on me for advice and define your limits. When you believe in yourself and
the farming sector with a wide range of agricultural support. I also take pride in leading and empowering push through barriers, you will discover your strength
inputs, including chemicals, fertilisers, animal feeds and my team, inspiring them to grow and take on leadership and become a powerhouse that no one can take away
general farm supplies,” Rashika explained. “We work roles. Seeing my staff develop into capable leaders is from you.”
with cane, macadamia and mixed-crop farmers, from one of my proudest achievements.”
Mtubatuba in the north, right down to Port Edward and Her dedication has earned her several accolades, including INSPIRING CONFIDENCE
Port Shepstone in the south.” the Cedric Knight Trophy for top sales performance In addition to her work and advocacy, Rashika is

and Top Performer 2010. “Throughout my career, I’ve
Rashika’s journey with Coastal Farmers began at just developing her personal brand, Atelier Rashika, a
21 years old. “It was my third job, and I wanted to placed first, second, and third in both sales and expense clothing and makeup line designed to inspire confidence
grow within a company where I could feel grounded management,” she said. “These achievements remind me in women. “My dream is to build a globally recognised
and appreciated,” she recalled. Starting as a sales that consistency and hard work always pay off.” brand that celebrates beauty and self-assurance,” she
assistant at the Eshowe branch, her determination FINDING HER VOICE shared. “It’s not just about glitz and glamour, it’s about
quickly set her apart. “After only six months, I was transformation. When a woman wears my design or uses
transferred to the Gingindlovu branch, where I was In 2023, Rashika took a bold step into a new space by my makeup, I want her to feel powerful and connected
trained as an assistant manager by the person who is entering the Haut Monde Mrs India Worldwide pageant to my story.”
now my regional manager. As the years went by, I was held in Dubai. “I wanted to explore something more Rashika also finds balance through movement in
promoted back to Eshowe as assistant manager and feminine,” she said with a smile. “I competed with 109
later became branch manager at Nkwaleni, inland near women from across the globe and was crowned the South community. “I’m a Zumba instructor,” she laughed.
Melmoth. I managed that branch for five years before African Country Winner. It was a phenomenal experience “There are days when I walk into class exhausted after
moving to the larger Eshowe branch in 2015, where I that reinforced my belief in the strength of women.” work, but as soon as I see the women in the room, I
draw energy from them. It is not just a fitness class. It
continue to serve today.”
Her pageant journey continued in 2024 when she is a space where women come together, support one
For Rashika each milestone represented more than a participated in the Supreme Queen Global Earth another, and remind each other that we are strong. We
professional achievement, it reflected personal growth. Africa pageant in Johannesburg, where she earned the leave feeling uplifted.”
“I’ve always wanted to be the chief executive officer of title of Second Princess. She now serves as an Alumni
my own company,” she said confidently. “I love business, Ambassador for the Supreme Queen Group. “Pageantry As she reflects on her journey, Rashika feels gratitude
and I love being in boardrooms. Women belong in helped me discover my strength and substance as a for the women who walk alongside her. “It is such an
spaces of influence and decision-making. We are woman,” she reflected. “For a long time, I was told what honour to be among women who smile, empower, and
powerful and capable of transforming any environment I couldn’t do or where I didn’t belong. But I learned to motivate each other,” she said. “We are resilient, and we
we step into.” build my character and confidence. Today, I know that continue to climb higher together.”

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