Paulshof resident’s entrepreneurship recognised
PAULSHOF – Paulshof businesswoman Luella Naidoo has been nominated in the 'Entrepreneur of the Year' category of the Woman of Stature Awards after five years at the helm of her own company.
Fourways knows its business – just ask Luella Naidoo, who has a chance of being named Entrepreneur of the Year on 8 March.
After starting her own business five years ago, Paulshof resident Luella Naidoo has been nominated as a finalist in this year’s Woman of Stature Awards in the Entrepreneur of the Year category. Her business, Jezriel Craig Holdings, specialises in the medical and pharmaceutical sector and aims to fill the gap between students who have just graduated with their degree and an industry that is always in need of employees.
“I’m in absolute awe of being nominated,” she told the Fourways Review. “I have great respect for Woman of Stature and truly believe in the organisation’s five pillars of empowerment [self-discovery, health and wellness, finance, leadership and entrepreneurship].
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“I actually first got involved with the Woman of Stature about two years ago and I decided then that one day I wanted to be nominated – I even put it on my vision board! I am so excited to be part of it this year, as it comes with professional recognition and helps women become empowered.”
Naidoo is one of 80 finalists this year who have been nominated in the following categories: Women in Community, Entrepreneur of the Year, Women in Agriculture, Women in Education, Women in Engineering, Women in Healthcare, Women in Finance, Women in Media, Women in Mining and Construction, Woman in Technology, Women in Sport and Youth Ambassador.
The last five years of running her own business has been challenging but allowed Naidoo to fill a gap in the market that she had noticed during her 15 years of experience in the devices and pharmaceutical sectors. “Jezriel Craig Holdings came to be because we noticed a gap in the pharmaceutical world between business and graduates. There were plenty of grads unemployed, while businesses definitely had jobs available and needed competent staff so we decided to focus on bridging this gap. “So far we have helped 340 graduates become integrated into the industry.”
Her business has also allowed Naidoo to get involved with a cause close to her heart when she had the chance to found the Jezriel Craig Holdings Foundation, which offers support to families that care for children with special needs. “The foundation provides support to families with children with cerebral palsy, which is a cause dear to our hearts. As an entrepreneur, giving back is really important to me and this foundation is a way to pay it forward.
Photo: Supplied
“I’d just like to put it out there to Fourways residents – if you’re in this situation and need help, please contact us! You can reach us on Facebook or give me a call on my cell phone.”
The final awards evening, where Naidoo finds out if she wins the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, will take place on 8 March at the Indaba Hotel.
Details: Jezriel Craig Holdings Facebook page; 074 324 0311.
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