Women Unlocked: Vijay Sewnarain - Dispensing the secret to her success

Meet Vija Sewnarain, owner of the Lakehaven Pharmacy in Newlands. She has overcome many obstacles and made a successful career for herself. Her pharmacy has been operational for 30 years, and it doesn’t seem like the 58-year-old powerhouse from Durban North is stopping any time soon.

This is her story…

1.    You lost your dad at a very young age. What kept you going and determined, despite the hardships you faced?  

I was 21 when my dad passed, and in my first year as an intern. My mum kept me strong and determined. She was so centred and never complained. Her tenacity gave me the courage I needed.

2.    After losing your dad, you became the breadwinner. Please share that experience.

When you’re in that situation, you have no choice but to move ahead. I had to, I had younger siblings who needed to be taken care of. One of my sisters was only 6 at the time. When there’s a 17-year gap between you and your siblings, you have to take responsibility. I held down three jobs at the time – my regular internship, an after-hours locum, and a weekend locum.

3.    Seeing where your siblings are today, what are you most proud of?

I’m so proud of all of them and the value they add to all around them. They’re good, solid, honest, and diligent professionals. I’m just so proud of all them, even my little sister who was just six years old at the time, she’s now a successful dentist in Sydney, Australia. 

4.    Starting your own pharmacy could not have been easy. How did you balance being a parent to your siblings, a breadwinner, and running a successful business?

Only by Grace. I think that if I had actually sat down and really thought about it at the time, I would never have taken the plunge and got started. I felt as though someone was always protecting me. Then I met my Spiritual master at the Art of Living Foundation, and everything just made sense.

5.    How do you unwind?

Meditation, yoga, kriya, and cooking are what I do to unwind. It’s important to do things that saves your mind from victim or culprit consciousness. This is one of the noble truths from my Art of Living practice. The Art of Living Foundation is a volunteer-based, humanitarian, and educational non-governmental organisation. I’m a teacher within the organisation. It was founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Sri Sri said: "Only the strong are given problems that can handle.” With the problem, you also have the solution, but can only tap into it when you have a calm and collected mind. I could've pitied myself at age 22, having to run a household, but I just moved ahead. Cooking I find keeps your mind in the present. You’ll know when your mind is not there because you will either burn the food or add too much or too little salt, for example.

6.    After all the success you’ve enjoyed, what do you still hope to achieve in the future?

I am very content. I have all that I need, happiness is not in objects or money because these come and go. If you base your happiness on these things, then you will not be content because someone will come along with more. Someone will have a better car, house or bank account, and that’s when you’ll get jealous, feel insecure and shaken. Be happy now. I believe if you can make another person live their life fully, then you have achieved something.  Another wish I have is to see the Northern Lights. The beauty of these lights is mesmerising and leaves me in awe of nature. 

7.    What is your advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs?

Having your family support is a wealth that is beyond words, treasure it and appreciate it and them. Give yourself 100% in what you do. Enjoy the fruits of your labour responsibly; there is enough for everyone and there’s no need for underhand tactics. I have had three pharmacies. I sold one to my locum and offered her a deal she would never have gotten and gave her two years to pay. She now runs her own successful business, something she never dreamed she would. People said that it was not good move because she knew all my customers, but I got busier because I concentrated all my efforts in one place. Also, don’t be afraid to learn more. Update your knowledge, always. Live simply, think higher noble thoughts. Never forget where you started and always aim high. Make sure your service delivery is unmatched. I’ve also learnt that in business you must use your head, because unfortunately there are many out there who want to take you for a ride. Use your head and live your life with purity of heart. You can’t go wrong with purity of heart, clarity of mind, and willingness to serve with your hands.