Premi Subramany

Premi Subramany, founder and managing director of Chemsol (SA) Adhesives (Pty) Ltd, has dedicated her career to building a successful manufacturing business in KwaZulu-Natal. Chemsol SA Adhesives specialises in the production of adhesives for the paper and packaging industries.

Premi’s journey from humble beginnings in Shaka’s Kraal, a small town on the North Coast of Durban, to leading a company that has thrived for 20 years, is a testament to her resilience, determination, and forward-thinking approach.

Premi’s early education took place at Shaka’s Kraal Primary School, and she later matriculated at Stanger Secondary School. Her professional journey began in 1990 with her first job as a typist, a position she held while pursuing further education at UNISA (University of South Africa). Reflecting on these early years, she says, “I started as a typist in 1990, and a month later, I registered for my education. That was my first job, and it laid the foundation for everything that followed.”

Her qualifications as a professional accountant and analytical chemist assist her to make good business decisions on a daily basis. Premi, together with the companies under her leadership flag, have obtained many accolades and awards over the years.

Twenty years ago, in November 2004, Premi left the corporate world to venture into manufacturing, launching Chemsol (SA) Adhesives. Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, she found excite- ment and a sense of purpose in her new role. “I left corporate thinking that being an entrepreneur is easy. It wasn’t an easy journey, but I’m proud of where I stand today,” she notes.

Over the years, Premi has focused on growing the company and preparing the younger generation for the future, currently she is particularly interested in understanding the integration of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies into business.

PROFESSIONAL PRIDE
For Premi, personal pride comes from her resilience as an entrepreneur, having successfully navigated numerous challenges. “It makes me proud to say with all the challenges we’ve had in KwaZulu-Natal, I’m still standing strong, and the company is still standing strong,” she asserts.

She credits much of this success to her dedicated staff, who have been trained and developed over the years to contribute significantly to the company’s achievements. “I owe a lot to my staff and the way they’ve been developed over the past few years. That’s what makes me proud,” she says. “We can achieve much by training and developing.”

One piece of advice has remained central to Premi’s life and career: “Never give up.” This mantra, passed down by her late mother, has been a guiding force in her journey. “My late mom always said, ‘Never give up. There’s always room for improvement, and you can make a difference’. This advice has influenced her to continuously learn and grow, never stopping in her pursuit of knowledge and excellence. “I never stop learning and I never stop reading. That’s what makes me the great person who I am today, and I’m proud of that,” she reflects.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Like many in business, Premi has faced her share of challenges. She believes that the key to overcoming these obstacles lies in how one embraces them. “There are so many challenges, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and our economy at the moment. But it’s about going every day and saying we can be better at what we do,” she explains. Premi’s approach to challenges is straightforward: “Just be straight with it, be true to yourself, and take what is there head-on. Every day is about unpacking what we have to do and achieving a result.”

Keeping herself and her team motivated is one of Premi’s daily missions. She believes in encouraging her team with positivity and recognition, even when things don’t go perfectly. “Every day is different, so every day I just go out there, smile at them, and say, ‘Yes, you are right, and you are wrong, but there is a way forward, so you choose how we are going to work it forward’,” she shares.

This approach fosters a dynamic and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated to improve continuously.

SOURCES OF INSPIRATION
Premi draws inspiration from the people around her and the outcomes of their collective efforts. “Results are important, seeing the outcome every day in what we do, whether it’s in our staff, our customers, or whoever’s around us, makes me more confident every day and just achieving what we’re there for,” she explains. This inspiration fuels her drive to continue pushing the business forward, despite any obstacles that may arise.

Looking ahead, Premi is excited about the future of the group Chemsol (SA) Adhesives, particularly in the area of sustainability. The company is currently engaged in several projects, with sustainability being a key focus. “Our new development is under the brand of BioP Technology, a sustainable product in the plastic industry. That’s where we see our project being seen in the market over the next five years,” she says with enthusiasm. Premi is committed to ensuring that the company not only thrives but also contributes positively to the environment and the broader community.

MOTTO TO LIVE BY
Premi’s life motto is simple yet profound: “Live simply and enjoy it. Enjoy every moment.” This philosophy reflects her approach to both life and business – embracing simplicity, finding joy in the present, and maintaining a positive outlook no matter the circumstances.

In summary, Premi Subramany’s journey from a typist to managing director of Chemsol (SA) Adhesives is one of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous growth. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact of resilience and the importance of fostering a supportive and motivated team. With a clear vision for the future and a strong commitment to sustainability, Premi is leading her company towards a bright and promising future.