Life By Asha Singh

The difference between success and failure is in taking the initiative. The Girl Boss series aims to highlight the achievements by women just like you and me who are doing amazing things. Hopefully their stories will inspire you as much as they inspire me. This week we chat to Tasneem Randeree, founder of Nura, an online accessories store, and MSc Molecular Biology student.

1. Who is your favorite female fictional character and why?

Wow, so many to even mention, I really love Khaleesi and Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones. But, if you asked my brother, he would say Mulan (both fictional and real) because I was totally obsessed with the movie growing up (still am and can recite the movie back to front).

2. Everyone's been making New Years resolutions. What are your New Years resolutions?

I’m not big on resolutions; I like to work through goals at my own pace. But if I had to pick one it would be; to be less judgey, there is way too much hate going on in the world and it needs to end. It’s time to start empowering others. More importantly, I feel like I’ve held myself back many times because I was worried about what people would say. It’s been so bad that I don’t even comment on pictures often because I wonder what people will think. So maybe if I let go of times I judge, I’ll be rewarded with the same energy. Also, it’s a big year for our business so there’s many resolutions and goals to work on (fingers crossed). If my husband and mother decide to read this, my other resolution is keep my cupboards more organized. My make up and shoes are everywhere!

3. If you could have lunch with any woman, dead or alive, who would it be?

Again, my brother would say Mulan (the real one). I am really inspired by empowered and strong women. Growing up, there were way too many fairytales about women being rescued by a man. Mulan was the first one I remember where the female lead saved herself instead of waiting around. Plus, it dealt with so many themes and topics that are still so relevant today.

4. What did you want to be growing up?

I think a ballerina for a while, I never really had an idea of where I wanted to be or who I wanted to be growing up. Which was great actually, because it landed me in science, although some days I think that was inspired by The Big Bang Theory.

5. Miss Scientist! What is it like as a woman in STEM?

I’m still currently doing my masters in molecular biology so not a full scientist yet. I started off with a Bachelor of Science because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study. The course had really good credits but after the first month I realised that it was where I wanted to be. It’s great being a part of the STEM community, and as a female it’s extremely empowering. Of course, some days people ask me if it’s a stepping stone for Medicine or Pharmacy and I feel pushed back another 10 years. It’s an incredibly uplifting experience and community and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested.

6. What inspired Nura?

There was no real inspiration for Nura, we just needed money, so we started a small business and found a niche to work with. We made the effort from the start that we had to try and be different. We grew to love the work. I think sometimes it’s great to acknowledge that you don’t have to be passionate about something to try it.

7. What was it like starting a business? What are some of the challenges and wins you've experienced?

It’s incredibly hard, we picked a random name to try and keep some anonymity. We also refrained from telling people because we were so nervous about it. But getting out there was the hardest part. Once we overcame our fear, building up a base became a lot easier.

Every day presents itself with new challenges, the worst and the best part about business is the people. There are some days, where you are so frustrated you feel like giving up but more often you will have people that remind you why you started. Our biggest win was our collab with Nabilah Kariem last year, there are so many people that we have met along the way that have just made our experience so amazing.

8. What's it like working with your significant other? Don't you get tired of each other (Lol!)?

It’s really great actually, I wouldn’t have it any other way. We disagree on the smaller things often but we’re pretty much on the same page when it comes to running of the business. We’re learning how to work around and with each other, but we also have our studies and jobs away from the business to focus on, giving us a break.

9. What keeps you motivated when you feel like giving up?

Honestly, there are days where everything really brings me down to the point where I just don’t want to deal with it anymore and give up. We attend to messages whenever we can, even if it is late at night or early hours of the morning. We package orders at ridiculous times and lost tons of sleep. That’s when I like to scroll through messages and pictures that people have sent us where they are happy with our products and services. The people who support you will always carry you through. We are honestly nothing without the people who encourage and support us.

10. What advice do you have to girls who want to start their own business but are too scared?

I know it’s scary, truthfully, there is nothing to fear. Once you have decided that this is what you want, take the leap. It’s not easy but will be worth it. All small business at some point only had 100 followers, everyone comes from humble beginnings. You will also learn along the way, so you don’t have to be an expert in business to start. There is great network of small businesses who help each other, always offering advice or a willing hand. You are not alone in this.

11. Tell us a bit more about yourself.

I grew up in a small town in Northern KZN, moved here to study and now Durban is my temporary home. Small town and big dreams. Omw, I’m not that interesting. I spend most of my free time napping, eating, Netflix, watching videos of kittens doing stupid things and annoying my husband.

12. If you could give your 13 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

To relax, you will leave the small town, you will see the world, you will have your life together. Life has a weird way of working things out. Just take it one step at a time and everything will fall into place. It’s often advice I still give myself.

13. Lastly, where can we find you?

You can find me on instagram: @Tasneem.Randeree not very active on other social media but you can check our business out on instagram: @nuraonline_ or facebook: Nura Online