Page 81 - KZN Top Business Women 2019 eBook

Let her be a dreamer who always wore her heart on her sleeve,

the eternal optimist, always looking for the best in others.

As a committed Christian, Laiela believes strongly She commented, “Generally when it comes to doing
Owner, in Romans 8:28, that, “All things work together for anything, to me it’s about the best person for the
Ahavah Consulting
the good of those who love God and are called job, irrespective of race, gender, culture or any other
according to His purpose.” She added, “Hard work stereotype we tend to impose.”
AIELA PARUK DORASAMY is the owner of
Ahavah Consulting, a Level 1 B-BBEE company and prayer to me are the ultimate combination “I believe that if you love what you do, if you give
Lwhich was established in May 2018. The core for success.” it your best, and are willing to learn and work hard,
focus of Ahavah Consulting is to supply companies In reflecting on her personal journey, Laiela said then you are unlikely to fail.”
with items that require a personal touch. This that her father had owned a jewellery and gift Laiela is happy with what she has accomplished so
includes branded stationery, bespoke gifting, store in Newcastle, where she grew up. “I worked far but has an ambition to see Ahavah Consulting
promotional giveaways, corporate gifts, conference alongside him from a very early age, where I gained grow further. “To be where I am after a relatively short
packs, goody bags, prizes, point of sale, branded many valuable lessons, amongst them, customer period of time, is more than I could have hoped or
corporate and promotional attire. relationships, consistency and discipline.” imagined, that said, there is always so much more
“Helping my clients to find the most appropriate Laiela says that she is someone who finds inspiration that can be achieved.
gift to present to their customers, is what I am most all around her every day. “Since the inception of my I would love to see my business grow, to employ and
passionate about,” she says. “Ahavah is a verb as well business, I have really drawn inspiration from the empower people and make an impact on their future
as a noun; the Hebrew word means “To give” and amazing women I have had the privilege to meet, as well as their future generations. If we all set out to
“To love”. Love is giving. The actual process of giving mostly through networking. Their stories and journeys change a few lives, we can contribute to a significant
should develop the connection between the giver are really inspiring and have really kept me motivated overall change, without waiting for someone else to
and the receiver.” This intentional act of doing is and encouraged, not because they are strong do something.”
central to the way that Laiela runs her business and women, but because they are real women, with all
she will always go the extra mile to ensure that her their challenges, hurdles and different backgrounds, Achieving a work-life balance
clients are happy. all holding each other up, like mighty Sequoia trees.” As Laiela’s husband runs a safety and corporate wear
company, which complements her offering in many
She has had 15 years of experience in the public In addition, she says that Pastor Vernon Jacob, who
relations and marketing sector, specifically in event leads The Embassy Church, where she is a member, ways, they get to work together often and even
management, project management and below the also inspires her with his relevant and encouraging share office space.
line marketing campaigns which include: in store messages that he shares with the congregation This synergy, says Laiela, does help immensely with
activations, trade shows, school activations and including teachings on process, transition and dis- work-life balance as their children are their combined
brand ambassador programmes. couragement, all of which are effective in helping her priority. “Our children are very passionate about

Laiela has a keen insight and a vast network of navigate through life on a daily basis. Laiela explains helping us in our businesses, they love packing goody
suppliers, enabling her to offer astute service, tailored further, “He is a man of excellence and embodies bags and tying bows and ribbons, anything they can
to your specific needs. She says that she is dedicated love, two qualities that I believe every human should assist us with in fact. My family is core to all that I am
and all that I do and will always remain my priority.”
to getting the job done, in excellence, on time and aspire to.”
within budget! If Laiela could have given advice to her younger
The Best Person for the Job
All things work together self, she would have said let her be who she is and
In responding to the question of whether she has always been. “Let her be a dreamer who always
Laiela says that everything that she has done in life feels women have to have a different approach to wore her heart on her sleeve, the eternal optimist,
and everything that she has learnt, including all the business than men to get to be successful, Laiela always looking for the best in others and believing
people that she has encountered, both positive and says that she does not like to differentiate between that life is about seizing every opportunity and
negative, all contribute to where she is today. men and women in terms of roles or abilities. living it to the fullest.”

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