Ramona Kasavan is the founder and chief executive of Mimi Women, an FMCG business dedicated to providing sanitary pads to women and girls across South Africa — from urban retail shelves to rural communities. She holds a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation from Wits Business School. Her days are fast-paced and varied, encompassing stock management, packaging, project leadership, menstrual health talks, and assembling hygiene packs. She thrives on problem-solving that directly impacts communities and witnessing the confidence and joy of the women and girls she serves. Entrepreneurship, she notes, is all-consuming, requiring immense resilience and patience, and a clear sense of purpose. Ramona draws inspiration from her family, individuals with disabilities, and the women and girls she encounters on a daily basis. Her journey is fueled by a commitment to gender equality, mentorship, and creating lasting societal impact. Highlights of her career include becoming the first Black female-owned sanitary pad company in South Africa and seeing Mimi Women products available nationwide at Pick n Pay. Beyond her business endeavors, she lectures at business schools and advises on policy, utilising her platform to empower the next generation of women. Her guiding principle is: “Be true to yourself, the rest will follow.”
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, Wits Business School
- Honours in Brand Leadership and Strategic Brand Marketing, Vega School
- Certificates in Social Entrepreneurship, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
ACHIEVEMENTS
The best moment has been getting our products into Pick’n Pay stores across South Africa. There have been many highlights along the journey, but by far, I think the most significant is being the first black female-owned sanitary pad company in South Africa. That has been a highlight, and seeing girls and women holding our pads, knowing that someone believes in them, really feels like a full-circle moment. Additionally, the opportunity to lecture at business schools, pursue academics, and advise on policy brings me great happiness.
