Page 71 - KZN Top Business Women - eBook 2023

Changing the world with one act of kindness at a time.

where I want to be. I just never gave up on my dreams that continue to guide my teaching and influence my
CEO: The Gold Bar, Sensational Hair
and I wanted to make sure I achieved what I set out mentorship of others.”
Salon, Designer Prints, Specialised
to achieve.”
Accounting, Ballito Seafood She added that her parents have been an instrumental
Being a woman in the male-dominated industry of gold part of who she is. The values that they instilled in her
holain Perumal is a CEO by trade and philanthropist recycling presented Sholain with many challenges. “I felt as she was growing up have pushed her to where she is
by heart. Her journey began with The Gold Bar, like I had to prove myself, and that’s exactly what I did,” and enabled her to conduct business the way she does.
Sa gold recycling company, known as a company she reflects. “I turned the negativity directed at me as a “I have to give them credit for the woman that I am today.
with a heart. With five stores across the country, the woman, into building blocks, creating a solid foundation without them, I probably might not be here,” she said.
company purchases unwanted gold jewellery from the for my businesses and personal growth.” Her goals for the future are to build an empire and leave
public and recycles it into gold bars that reinvigorate Running multiple businesses has its unique set of a legacy of empowerment. So basically, says Sholain, she
the economy. challenges, from managing cash flow to handling staff wants to create more leaders. Through her businesses
issues. The journey has been punctuated by external people are offered employment and an opportunity
Sholain owns two hair salons which are located in
Umhlanga Rocks on Chartwell Drive and in Cornubia hurdles like riots, floods, and the global pandemic. to learn from her, to study, and to grow within the
Mall. Under the banner of “Sensational Hair, Nails, and Sholain’s invaluable lesson is that one is not born with organisation.
Beauty,” these salons are your ‘ultimate happy place’. The all the answers; adaptation and constant learning are Sholain believes that she can change the world with one
salons offer hair, nails and beauty treatments under one essential to survival. “In order to survive, you have to act of kindness at a time. That, she says, will just snowball
roof and aim to make you feel at home. “It’s just a place continuously be learning and adapting to the new into an effect where everybody’s making one small
to destress and get away from the stresses of the world,” circumstances and the new challenges thrown at you difference in the world and that combined together will
said Sholain. every single day. And you have to work through it,” make a bigger change.
she says.
Her entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there. Designer Anything is achievable
Prints, a graphic design and print company based in Mount Much of her motivation has come from the fact that
Edgecombe, and Specialized Accounting, an accounting she is a strong supporter of women’s equality and In advising young women, Sholain has simple but
and taxation company, highlight her versatility as an empowerment. In addition, says Sholain, ‘I’ve always powerful words: “Don’t overthink it. You’ll never have
entrepreneur. Sholain’s passion for diversification led her been somewhat rebellious growing up in the sense that all your ducks in a row.” She adds, “The biggest step is
to launch Ballito Seafoods in Odyssey Mall. I wanted to prove that I could do what people said I the first step you take and that’s making the decision to
couldn’t, and I wanted to break societal norms. I’ve come start and after that everything flows. But you may not
However, her proudest creation is The Now You Can from a humble background and an Indian community. get it right the first time.” She emphasizes that, “Failure
Foundation which supports a variety of initiatives, from We had set rules and I was determined to break those is not the end but an opportunity to begin anew.” With
providing grocery hampers, to motivational talks in norms, and that’s exactly what I did.” determination and focus, anything is achievable.
schools, and care packs for abused women and children.
Despite her hectic life, Sholain recognises the importance
Inspired by mentors
With determination of balance and the need to disconnect from the
However, said Sholain she has been very blessed to have demands of her businesses. She loves travel and a yearly
Sholain’s journey to success began with humble mentors along the way that have guided her. As such she international trip serves as her much-needed “me time”
roots. After matriculating without the funds to pursue has been able to use her passion for empowerment and making all the hard work throughout the year worthwhile.
further education, she started working as a cashier in a change to motivate herself and push through despite all
supermarket. Sholain ensured that every job she had was the challenges she faced. Sholain’s involvement in the KZN Top Business Women is
a stepping stone that would eventually bring her to this Wayne Duncan, her previous employer, played a pivotal a source of pride for her. It not only provides exposure for
her businesses but also aligns with her mission of women
point in her career.
role in Sholain’s journey. He saw potential in her and supporting each other. The initiative offers a platform for
“It’s been a long, tough road to be where I am,” said often pushed her beyond her limits. “He made me cry like-minded women to connect, share experiences, and
Sholain. “But with determination and a never give up more than once,” Sholain chuckles. “But every lesson motivate one another to overcome challenges and reach
attitude, hard work and persistence. I finally achieved he taught me is still instilled in me. It’s those life lessons new heights.

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