A new generation of local youth are breaking free from traditional career paths to pursue their passions.  From life coaching to event planning, young entrepreneurs are carving out unique identities in a landscape traditionally dominated by corporate employment. MONISHKA GOVENDER spoke to three trailblazers – age from 23 to 31 – who have defied societal expectations to pursue their dreams.

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SHAUN Mahabeer, a former business intelligence analyst, left the corporate world two years ago to pursue his passion, to become a life coach, using social media to show his journey. The 31-year-old was born in Greytown, where he spent the first 18 years of his life before he studied at the University of Cape Town. He now resides in Johannesburg.

“My career has never been a straight line. I’ve worked in multiple roles across different industries and business sizes. Through it all, I’ve gained a broad skill-set that I continue to use in various combinations today. 

“I didn’t really leave any career. I just evolved. I chose to move away from work that felt out of alignment with my truth. In 2022, it was that clarity that gave rise to my coaching business.”

Mahabeer is now a spiritual and life coach.  

“I help people who feel stuck in the wrong life to pivot into clarity, courage, and peace. I launched my coaching business in 2022, took a pause in 2024 to explore other opportunities, and resumed after my audience on TikTok began to grow and ask for guidance. That’s when I created Total Freedom Coaching.

“My business is an online coaching practice. I work primarily via Zoom with clients around the world. My work is focused on guiding people through identity shifts, mindset work, and deep inner alignment. I offer three coaching paths.” 

He said his inspiration to change careers was due to the corporate world not making him happy. 

“To be honest, conventional careers have never appealed to me. They often reflect someone else’s idea of safety, success, or identity. I’ve never wanted to be like everyone else. I wanted to be myself, fully and unapologetically.  

“My current path was always the way it was meant to go. It’s just that I found this way later in my life, compared to those that are raised to follow their dreams.”  

He came to the revelation during his second corporate job. 

“I realised I was deeply out of alignment with who I really am. That disconnection triggered chronic depression and suicidal thoughts. I knew then that continuing on that path was not just unsustainable, it was dangerous. My healing began when I made the decision to return to my authentic self.”  

He said his mother had always supported his decisions, even when she did not fully understand them. Mahabeer added he, however, faced many challenges during this career path. 

“One of the biggest challenges has been unlearning poverty conditioning, especially the belief that suffering is noble, or that financial fear is normal. I grew up in hardship, and internalised a lot of anxiety about survival, safety, and self-worth. Overcoming that mental programming, and the glamorisation of struggle, has been a huge inner shift for me.”

He said he taught himself not to worry about financial uncertainty and learnt to separate his worth from his work. 

“I am not what I do. I am a human being, not a productivity machine. Life itself requires me to live, breathe, rest, and love, regardless of income. That mindset has helped me stay grounded in times of uncertainty.

“Success is living in alignment with my authentic self. It means trusting my inner voice, honouring my truth, and walking the path that is uniquely mine, not the one others expect me to follow.”

Designer  

Therusha Chetty, 31, the founder of Desi Designs by Therusha, started her business in 2018 after she wanted to create her own twist to henna art on sneakers. 

Chetty intially studied to become a chiropractor but with two semesters remaining, she left to focus on her business. 

Now that she has shifted her career path, she is working towards a marketing degree to help propel Desi Designs. 

Chetty, of Seatides, said she was passionate about sharing the beauty of South African Indian culture through her handcrafted creations. 

“My inspiration to pursue this path came from my love for art and culture, particularly henna art. While in university, I noticed that the younger generation was losing interest in our cultural heritage, and I wanted to do something about it.” 

It was only when she designed her own pair of sneakers with henna, did she find her calling. 

“Seeing my art come to life in a way that resonated so deeply with me was exhilarating. I felt an overwhelming urge to share this passion with others, so I took a leap of faith and showcased my work on Facebook. 

“The response was incredible, and I started receiving orders. That moment marked the beginning of a journey that has now spanned seven incredible years, and I’m grateful to be doing something that truly sets my soul on fire.”

She said her family, particularly her mother and grandmother, played a significant role in shaping her love for traditional Indian art and culture. 

“They encouraged me to explore my creativity. Their support and guidance helped me build confidence in my abilities.”  

Chetty said while she wanted to focus on designing and creating as an artist, she also needed to manage finances, marketing, and other administrative tasks. 

“It can be overwhelming at times, but l have learned to adapt and prioritise. Another challenge is staying true to my artistic vision, while also meeting customer demands and expectations. It’s a constant balancing act, but I enjoy the challenge of finding creative solutions.”

She said in society, being in an artistic business was not always seen as a stable or traditional career path. However, she believed in her vision and was determined to succeed.

“By pursuing my passion, I aim to inspire others to do the same and show that artistic businesses can be a viable and fulfilling career.”

Financial instability, said Chetty, was a reality to many freelancers and small business owners. But she has learnt to navigate it by being adaptable and proactive.

“I diversify my income streams, prioritise budgeting, and plan for lean periods. I’ve also developed a financial safety net to fall back on when needed. 

“Moreover, I have learned to be flexible and open to new opportunities, collaborations, and projects that can help supplement my income. By staying focused on my goals and being resourceful, I am able to manage financial uncertainty and continue to grow my business.”

Now she is no longer afraid to chart her own course and pursue opportunities that align with her values and passions. 

“In the next few years, I envision expanding my team, exploring new mediums, and collaborating with artists, designers, and brands from around the world.” 

Event planners

Vaithika and Vashiel Sonlal, 23, are event planners from Crossmoor in Chatsworth, who own U-Decor, a home-based business that provides catering, decor and lighting. 

The twins started their business four years ago. 

Vaithika is a final year bachelor of commerce in human resource management student, while Vashiel has already completed the degree. 

“I came to understand that possessing a degree does not guarantee employment in South Africa,” said Vashiel. 

“Regrettably, numerous qualified peers with degrees struggle to secure employment in our economy, prompting me to take charge of my own future. The greatest investment an individual can make is in his or her own development. Rather than applying my skills for a corporation’s gain, I’m utilising them to forge my own journey.”

He said he and his twin used their individual skills to shape the business. 

“Vaithika had a flair for beading, sewing, sketching and painting from an early age whereas I always created elaborate and creative replicas for school projects followed by my flair for decor in my teen years. This creativity manifested this established enterprise.” 

He said they created digital sketches of customised decor designs based on a combination of their clients’ vision and their expertise. As artists, the business, he said, allowed them to express their talents.

“Being self-employed gives us creative freedom without constraints. We are content in our current space and making couples’ wedding dreams a reality is fulfilling and rewarding.” 

Vashiel said their parents once owned a business, and they learnt their business acumen from them.

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