Shuari Naidoo, 19. Photo / George Novak
Shuari Naidoo is on a mission.
The 19-year-old chief executive hopes to tackle period poverty through a business she founded when she was still at school.
The Tauranga teenager founded Moraka Menstrual Cups in 2019 selling affordable and sustainable menstrual cups to combat the issue of period poverty and menstrual taboo in society.
"Everyone has the right to dignity," she says.
The idea was born through the Young Enterprise Scheme - an experiential programme where year 12-13 students set up and run a real business - while at Papamoa College.
In 2019, Shuari was named Entrepreneur of the Year and now, she has been named a finalist in the 2021 Women of Influence Awards.
Initially, the business was targeted at students and she sold about 50 cups.
Since leaving school to study political science and criminology at Victoria University, Shuari decided to grow the business even further.
"When I took the business to university I decided to work on bigger brands.
"We wanted to get really big orders out to organisations that need big orders."
Shuari now works alongside not-for-profit organisations - such as The Period Place and Endo Warriors Aotearoa - and has received grants to be able to donate cups to Awhina House and Tauranga Living Without Violence.
"I really want to get to vulnerable people in our communities especially people who may or may not have access to affordable period products."
So far, the business has distributed more than 600 cups this year and she was about to launch a new website.
"We're really trying to get more cups out there and our goal next year is 5000," Shuari says.
"We hope to get there and even if we don't there's next year and the year after that."
Shuari has recently been accepted into Creative HQ's Young Founders Incubator course for young founders looking to take their startups to the next level.
"This will give me clear direction of where to take my business next. We're trying to grow and grow and grow."
Having invested about $2000 of her own money into the business so far, Shuari says her dream is to one day expand the business and hire a team of people.
She also hopes to get more organisations and businesses on board.
"I would also really like to see my cup in supermarkets."
As a young businesswoman, Shuari says she has learned a lot about networking and growing her confidence.
"I am quite introverted so it really helps me get out of my shell."
It helps having her mother Nemsha Naidu by her side.
"Mum is one of my biggest supporters, my biggest champion."
Shuari also has plans to one day own another, larger business.
"I would really like to one day become CEO of a big company with big impact."
But for now, she is focused on her studies and growing her first business.
Five things people don't know about you:
1. I am a vegetarian
2. I was a student in Canada
3. I am president of the Bachelor of Arts society at Victoria University
4. I have written an article about women's history in New Zealand from the 1970s to 1990s for feminist magazine Broadsheet
5. I was born in South Africa
Favourite colour?
Pink
When the borders open up, where would you travel first and why?
Germany. I am really fascinated by the culture. I was going to go to Mexico but then the Covid-19 lockdown happened.
How many countries have you been to?
South Africa, Canada, Fiji, Australia
Favourite food?
I love it all, as long as it is vegetarian
How do you drink your coffee?
Americano
How do your family and close friends describe you?
Determined, ambitious, passionate, discerning, and dedicated.