Page 73 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

There’s always someone out there who can connect with what

you have to offer. The world is so big, and there’s a slice for everybody.

she didn’t stop working,” Rashmee said. Her mother, an company has had to invest in two large generators, which
Chief Executive Officer,
ardent entrepreneur, continues to run a business selling comes at an exorbitant cost. “The cost of running on
Zilon Bulk Bags
Indian outfits, and it was from her that Rashmee learned diesel was really draining for the business.”
the value of hard work and determination.
ashmee Ramdeen, CEO of Zilon Bulk Bags, is a Despite these challenges, Rashmee’s advice to aspiring
shining example of entrepreneurial success in “My mum’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired me to follow my entrepreneurs, especially women, is to persevere. “Follow
R South Africa. With her background in finance and path,” she remarked. Rashmee’s background in banking your heart, always be a go-getter, and try to achieve more
a vision for building a legacy for her children, she has also helped her develop strong marketing and people every day,” she advised. She believes in the motto “each
transformed a small business that started in her garage skills, which she has successfully applied to growing her one teach one,” and is a part of the Graça Machel Women
into a thriving manufacturing company. Zilon Bulk Bags business. “Instead of marketing for the bank, I decided Creating Wealth initiative, which encourages collaboration
now produces thousands of FIBC (Flexible Intermediate to market my own business,” she noted. Her approach and networking among women entrepreneurs. “There’s
Bulk Container) bags monthly, used in transport and has been deeply rooted in personal connections and always someone out there who can connect with what
storage, and catering to a wide range of industries. networking. “What I enjoy most is meeting new people. you have to offer. The world is so big, and there’s a slice
Rashmee’s journey is marked by her determination, I think I’m a people’s person, and that’s how the business for everybody.”
passion, and commitment to empowering others. grows — just by talking to other people.”
“Business is very challenging, but you have to wake up
From Finance to Manufacturing Empowering Others each day with your mind set on achieving your goals. It’s
important to stay focused on the end goal,” she advises.
Before becoming a business leader, Rashmee worked at Rashmee is not just focused on building a successful Rashmee is particularly enthusiastic about the potential
major financial institutions, including Standard Bank and business; she is also dedicated to making a positive of women in business. “Women these days have so much
Absa Bank. She holds a degree in banking management, impact on the lives of those around her, particularly to offer,” she states. “By inspiring each other, we can
which equipped her with valuable skills in finance the youth. “I try to inspire the youth to achieve more in truly grow. Everyone has a story to tell, and you can find
and customer service. Reflecting on her career shift, their everyday lives,” she said. Rashmee believes in multi- inspiration in each one.”
she said, “I’ve been in finance throughout my career, skilling her employees and equipping them with life skills
and customer service as well, so it’s good to have that beyond the workplace. Her own daughter has taken on A Source of Pride
background for the business itself.” a marketing role, inspired by her mother’s determination
and drive. “My daughter is becoming a marketer herself. Rashmee’s vision for the future is clear: she wants to leave
Her decision to start Zilon Bulk Bags came from her She’s a teacher, but in her spare time, I see she’s now a lasting legacy for her children. “My future goal is to leave
desire to build something meaningful for her family. trying to sell and be like a salesperson to earn extra a legacy for my kids. My son is now my production and
“My biggest dream is to build this company and leave pocket money.” sales manager, and he’s growing with the business,” she
a legacy for my family, especially my kids,” Rashmee shared. Her family’s involvement in Zilon Bulk Bags is a
shared. With three children, she wanted to ensure they Rashmee is also committed to giving back to her source of pride for her, and she is confident that they
would have something to inherit and continue. community. She supports local schools through sponsor- will continue to grow the business in the future. “At the
ships and donations, ensuring that disadvantaged moment, Zilon Bulk Bags is making a name for itself. I
Her business, which started in her garage with two students can participate in activities such as excursions am the only female-owned bulk bag manufacturing
sewing machines, has currently grown to employ 18 and sports. “I’ve helped schools with sponsorships and business in South Africa, and we are making headway in
staff members and now operates with three lines of funding for excursions. We also sponsor party packs for the market.”
sewing machines, producing between 500 to 1000 bags school sports days,” she shared.
a day. “From two staff members, we now have 18, and in In addition to her professional goals, Rashmee finds
a month, we produce at least 15,000 bags, if not more,” However, Rashmee’s journey has not been without its solace and balance in her personal life. “What I find
she proudly explained. challenges. One of the most significant hurdles her relaxing is going for walks with my husband on the
business faces is South Africa’s ongoing load shedding weekends. It’s our bonding time, and it usually ends
Rashmee credits much of her entrepreneurial drive to crisis. “Load shedding in our business is a big no-no with breakfast,” she said with a smile. Meditation and
her mother, who remains a key influence in her life. “My because we run our machines with electricity,” she said. yoga also play a vital role in helping her maintain her
mum has been working all her life, and when she retired, To keep operations running during power outages, the calm and focus.

Rashmee RAMDEEN | 71