Business owner, director, founder, chairperson, mentor, treasurer and administrator are some of the titles the well-rounded, Deveshnee Mariah, holds dear to her heart. The busy lady, who has made her mark in the community of Phoenix, said there is nothing better than giving back to the community you live in.
Phoenix Tabloid (PT): Tell us about yourself and what makes Deveshnee?
Deveshnee Mariah (DM): My name is Deveshnee Mariah, I am 39 years old. I am married with three amazing children. An 18-year-old boy who has cognitive genetic disorder, which is called Fragile X and two girls, aged 12 and six years old.
PT: Where were you born and where do you reside now?
DM: I was born in Chatsworth, Umhlathuzana Township, and moved to Phoenix when I was seven years old. I am the youngest girl with two older brothers. My dad died when I was two years old, so I was raised by my mom and older brothers.
PT: What made you become a business mentor?
DM: When I worked as a banker, I saw the huge challenges businesses faced in terms of operational and business acumen, especially with understanding risk. It was never an easy job to keep telling older, hardworking business owners they couldn’t get business funding. It was then that I realised that money was almost the last thing they needed. They just needed to run their businesses differently and I was never in a position to assist them as I was measured on targets which I had to make. That’s when I took the step to become a business mentor.
PT: Why are you passionate about serving your community?
DM: It started from a young age. In school I was nicknamed ‘Santa’s little helper’ and that progressed into my adulthood.
PT: You are involved in a lot of non-profit organisations, what made you get involved in this?
DM: In 2019, I was appointed within my company as the CSI and Enterprise Development Director. And after registering an NPO for the organisation I extended our services to the Department of Social Development in Phoenix to do capacity building workshops. With the assistance of the National Development Agency we worked with 15 NPOs from in and around Durban with basic skills of how to run an NPO. These relationships stuck with me in 2020 when Covid-19 hit.
PT: What are your hopes for the community of Phoenix?
DM: That we as a people become independent and work together to uplift all those around us. We have been through much just the way Phoenix came about and until the most recent unrest. We are a hardworking people and our parents raised us as strong, independent individuals. We have to make them proud and continue on their legacy.
PT: What would be your advice to those looking to help the community but don’t know where to start?
DM: Start with the skill and talent you share with others. We all can do something that somebody needs and will be willing to pay for that as a service or product. That’s where business ideas and opportunities come from. We are at such an amazing position with so many problems.
PT: Where did you attend high school?
DM: I matriculated in 1999 at Northmead Secondary School, where one of the organisations I work with still offers programmes at Each1Reach1.
PT: Where did you study and what was the reason you decided to take that career path?
DM: I studied at Regent Business School for my Business Administration.
I continued my studies for several short courses and continuous learning through the bank.
PT: What are some of the things you have done in the community of Phoenix?
DM: With all the organisations I work with they do amazing poverty alleviation programmes, after-school programmes for kids struggling to learn, women empowerment programmes, seniors programmes, girls and boys mentoring programmes and leadership programmes. I am also part of different forums and faith-based organisations as the needs arise. I find myself literally being wherever there are problems and instead of band-aiding problems, creating solutions that are sustainable and viable for those that are affected. We have to be the hope for the hopeless, the light to those in the dark.
PT: What are some of your fondest moments in life?
DM: Of my childhood, being a little carefree tomboy growing up with my brothers in Umhlatuzana Township.
PT: If there was one day you could re-live what day would it be?
DM: If I could just remember my dad. I was too little when he died. I re-live his memories through the life and experiences of others, even pictures.
PT: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
DM: I want to have established my NPO ‘The Mariah Foundation’ working well with children, youth and people living with disabilities, provide support to families and their caregivers.
Give them skills development to live independently and be a part of their communities and contribute to our economy as citizens of South Africa. To allow them to be heard, seen and accepted as the human beings they are.
PT: Who or what inspires you and why?
DM: My inspiration comes wherever I see humble human beings that serve and show empathy to those around them. My biggest inspiration is my kids who teach me every day through their simplicity and innocence.
PT: How do you manage to juggle all your responsibilities?
DM: It is very challenging as I work and have kids and take care of my ageing mom.
They remain my focus. And community is always a part of my life and even the NPOs I work with. I have an amazing support structure with my mom and my husband. They all understand this passion inside of me to serve and help others.
PT: What do you do in your spare time?
DM: I love to cook, bake, entertain, read and just relax with a good movie.
PT: What do you enjoy the most about your line of work?
DM: Meeting the amazing people I work with and serve. And their gratitude and relationships I’ve made along the way.
PT: South Africa or overseas?
DM: South Africa. I love my country. Where I live and the people here.
