Suraya Naidoo has followed her dreams and launched herself into unknown territory and a new career.
Suraya Naidoo
From medical doctor to owner of home food business
facebook.com/sweetandsavouryspot
What were you doing?
I was a medical doctor, a specialist in clinical Haematology, primarily diagnosing and treating teens and adults with leukaemias and lymphomas. I absolutely loved my job and, in fact, I still consider it my vocation, my purpose in life. In the meantime, though, I’m passionate about pursuing this new direction.
What are you doing now?
I am the owner of The Sweet and Savoury Spot, an owner-operated (self-run) home food business that specialises in South African-styled Indian food and currently serves as a takeaway, with customers ordering and picking up directly from me. I also cater small events, usually corporate meetings and small parties. A pop up stall/ store is envisioned for 2019.
I will also be hosting cooking classes from March 2019. These are aimed at spreading the love for cooking by teaching keen curry makers how to perfect their skill and hopefully bring with it a sense of fulfillment and joy. It will also be an awesome way to meet and interact with new people.
What do you love about your work?
Everything! I love cooking, I love seeing people smile after a hearty meal cooked with love. In fact, the strapline of my business is ‘the secret ingredient is always love’. There’s also freedom and a degree of creativity in it. I also have the opportunity to meet new people through the various aspects of the business.
What did you have to do to make the change?
Accept my new reality. I love haematology and felt blessed to enter a patient’s life at their most vulnerable time and it fulfilled me deeply to assist them during this period of their lives.
However, having only recently moved to New Zealand with two young children, I had to change my primary role from doctor to mum and repurpose myself. In that, I discovered my love for cooking and created my new reality.
How hard was it to make the leap?
I had no experience in the food industry or in business however it wasn’t a difficult leap. I embraced and enjoyed the process, and the environmental health officer at Tauranga City Council was really helpful in my start-up.
What challenges have you faced?
My challenges have mostly been internal. It’s been a journey of building my self-confidence and looking outside of medicine for fulfillment. Whilst I enjoy cooking, I’m somewhat of a perfectionist and often doubt myself, but the creation of a food business has helped me be more sure of myself and confident in the kitchen. I appreciate honest feedback as it helps me grow in the kitchen and internally as well.
I also yearned for work-home balance whilst in medicine and didn’t realise that a self-run cooking start-up could be as time-consuming as a full-time job.
However, I am learning new ways of creating and not sacrificing this delicate balance and am always grateful to build a clientele.
What would you say to other women thinking of making a career change?
My new anthem is ‘what’s meant for you will come to you at the right time’. Having said that, I’d rather live a life of failed attempts than missed opportunities. Looking back in 20 years’ time, I’d much rather think, “I can’t believe I did that” than “I wish I had done that.” If you’re thinking of it, do it.
