Page 63 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

We need fresh perspectives, and young people bring that.

They need to know that their ideas are valuable, and they can have influence.

been to contribute to Avvo Labels by taking it to the Advice for the Younger Generation
Director, next level. The print industry is incredibly dynamic. I
Avvo Labels Reflecting on her journey, Virosha has valuable advice
recently participated in a panel at Printing SA in KZN,
where we discussed whether digitisation is overtaking for aspiring business leaders, especially young women.
irosha Pillay, director of Avvo Labels, shares print. But if you look around, everything is printed — “No business is easy,” she states firmly. “You can’t expect
her unique journey into the world of printing our clothes, labels on bottles, everything. Print is here everything to fall into place just because you step into
V and manufacturing. “We specialise in the to stay.” a role. It takes time, effort, and perseverance. But at the
manufacturing and printing of self-adhesive labels, same time, never give up on your dreams. Women are
garment labels, shrink sleeves, and base wraps,” she Her vision for the future is clear: “I’d love to lead the incredibly capable. We juggle so many roles in life —
explains, speaking with pride about a company that has company into an era of sustainable printing. It’s not just whether it’s work, family, or personal ambitions — and
been in the industry for 40 years. “We have a specialised about bringing colour to the world; it’s about doing we can achieve whatever we set our minds to.”
portfolio and an amazing clientele. Our strength lies in our so responsibly. We’re exploring green technologies
service delivery, and we’ve recently expanded to a bigger, that will allow us to innovate while reducing our Virosha believes that the younger generation has the
better space. We’re also looking forward to integrating environmental footprint. That’s where I see myself potential to drive meaningful change in business and
new, innovative technologies into our operations.” contributing — leading a company that’s both creative beyond. “We need fresh perspectives, and young people
and environmentally conscious.” bring that. They need to know that their ideas are valuable,
Despite being born into the “printing dynasty,” Virosha’s and they can have influence. It’s about staying persistent
initial career aspirations took her in a different direction. Driving Change and finding your place in the world.”
“Science always intrigued me, so I pursued a BSc in
Virosha is particularly proud of the advancements made Looking ahead, Virosha hopes to continue growing
biochemistry and microbiology. I started my career as
within Avvo Labels. “We’ve brought in a lot of new both personally and professionally. “My ultimate goal is
a chemical analyst at a pharmaceutical company,” she
blood into the organisation, which has really energised to be successful in all aspects of my life. Whether it’s in
recalls. However, laboratory work soon lost its appeal. “I the team. For a long time, we had employees who
couldn’t stand being in a lab all day, isolated from people, were set in their ways. That’s natural when you’ve been business, with my family, or for my children’s future, I want
so I shifted to pharmaceutical sales, and from there, I in the industry for years and the system is working. to ensure that I leave a lasting impact.”
ventured into marketing.”
But I’ve introduced a younger, more forward-thinking Finding balance in a busy life isn’t always easy, but Virosha
Virosha’s passion for business grew, and she decided to generation into the company, and that’s helped us has developed a healthy approach. “Work-life balance
join the family business. “It was a natural progression. embrace new ideas.” has been challenging, but over the years, I’ve found a
I’ve always had a business inclination, so stepping into The company has also invested in innovative technology. solid group of friends and family who bring me peace.
the family business felt right. Although I initially wanted “We’ve adopted digital printing, which has been a game- We’ve learned how to switch off after work and enjoy the
to explore the world, I’ve found a way to integrate the changer for us. Additionally, we’ve moved from UV to moment. When I get home, I make a conscious effort to
business into my life, rather than force myself into it.” not stress over things I can’t control.”
LED printing, which not only improves efficiency but also
Family and Innovation reduces our carbon footprint and energy consumption. She credits her support system for helping her achieve
We’re definitely moving in the right direction when it this balance. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and
Virosha is candid about the dynamics of working within comes to innovation.” I’m grateful for the friends, family, and colleagues who
a family business. “People often fear family business help me maintain that equilibrium. At the end of the
environments, worrying that heads will clash, but it’s Virosha’s enthusiasm for technological advancement day, it’s all about balance. A healthy work-life balance
been a wonderful experience for me. It depends largely extends beyond internal operations. “The print industry leads to a healthier, more successful life overall.”
on the bond with your family, and I’m fortunate to have is always evolving. We work with suppliers who are also
a beautiful, supportive one. Everyone’s ideas are heard, innovating — developing sustainable inks, eco-friendly Virosha’s journey from science to the family business
and we’re given the space to express ourselves.” papers, and better raw materials. It’s an exciting time is a testament to her adaptability and determination.
to be in this industry because everyone is working She continues to lead Avvo Labels with passion and a
As for her role in the company, Virosha is driven by a towards the same goal: doing more with less impact forward-thinking approach, always with an eye on both
vision of growth and innovation. “My goal has always on the environment.” innovation and sustainability.

Virosha PILLAY | 61