Virosha Pillay

Virosha Pillay, director of Avvo Labels, shares her unique journey into the world of printing and manufacturing. “We specialise in the manufacturing and printing of self-adhesive labels, garment labels, shrink sleeves, and base wraps,” she explains, speaking with pride about a company that has been in the industry for 40 years. “We have a specialised portfolio and an amazing clientele. Our strength lies in our service delivery, and we’ve recently expanded to a bigger, better space. We’re also looking forward to integrating new, innovative technologies into our operations.”

Despite being born into the “printing dynasty,” Virosha’s initial career aspirations took her in a different direction. “Science always intrigued me, so I pursued a BSc in biochemistry and microbiology. I started my career as a chemical analyst at a pharmaceutical company,” she recalls. However, laboratory work soon lost its appeal. “I couldn’t stand being in a lab all day, isolated from people, so I shifted to pharmaceutical sales, and from there, I ventured into marketing.”

Virosha’s passion for business grew, and she decided to join the family business. “It was a natural progression. I’ve always had a business inclination, so stepping into the family business felt right. Although I initially wanted to explore the world, I’ve found a way to integrate the business into my life, rather than force myself into it.”

Family and Innovation
Virosha is candid about the dynamics of working within a family business. “People often fear family business environments, worrying that heads will clash, but it’s been a wonderful experience for me. It depends largely on the bond with your family, and I’m fortunate to have a beautiful, supportive one. Everyone’s ideas are heard, and we’re given the space to express ourselves.”

As for her role in the company, Virosha is driven by a vision of growth and innovation. “My goal has always been to contribute to Avvo Labels by taking it to the next level. The print industry is incredibly dynamic. I recently participated in a panel at Printing SA in KZN, where we discussed whether digitisation is overtaking print. But if you look around, everything is printed — our clothes, labels on bottles, everything. Print is here to stay.”

Her vision for the future is clear: “I’d love to lead the company into an era of sustainable printing. It’s not just about bringing colour to the world; it’s about doing so responsibly. We’re exploring green technologies that will allow us to innovate while reducing our environmental footprint. That’s where I see myself contributing — leading a company that’s both creative and environmentally conscious.”

Driving Change
Virosha is particularly proud of the advancements made within Avvo Labels. “We’ve brought in a lot of new blood into the organisation, which has really energised the team. For a long time, we had employees who were set in their ways. That’s natural when you’ve been in the industry for years and the system is working. But I’ve introduced a younger, more forward-thinking generation into the company, and that’s helped us embrace new ideas.”

The company has also invested in innovative technology. “We’ve adopted digital printing, which has been a game- changer for us. Additionally, we’ve moved from UV to LED printing, which not only improves efficiency but also reduces our carbon footprint and energy consumption. We’re definitely moving in the right direction when it comes to innovation.”

Virosha’s enthusiasm for technological advancement extends beyond internal operations. “The print industry is always evolving. We work with suppliers who are also innovating — developing sustainable inks, eco-friendly papers, and better raw materials. It’s an exciting time to be in this industry because everyone is working towards the same goal: doing more with less impact on the environment.”

Advice for the Younger Generation
Reflecting on her journey, Virosha has valuable advice for aspiring business leaders, especially young women. “No business is easy,” she states firmly. “You can’t expect everything to fall into place just because you step into a role. It takes time, effort, and perseverance. But at the same time, never give up on your dreams. Women are incredibly capable. We juggle so many roles in life — whether it’s work, family, or personal ambitions — and we can achieve whatever we set our minds to.”

Virosha believes that the younger generation has the potential to drive meaningful change in business and beyond. “We need fresh perspectives, and young people bring that. They need to know that their ideas are valuable, and they can have influence. It’s about staying persistent and finding your place in the world.”

Looking ahead, Virosha hopes to continue growing both personally and professionally. “My ultimate goal is to be successful in all aspects of my life. Whether it’s in business, with my family, or for my children’s future, I want to ensure that I leave a lasting impact.”

Finding balance in a busy life isn’t always easy, but Virosha has developed a healthy approach. “Work-life balance has been challenging, but over the years, I’ve found a solid group of friends and family who bring me peace. We’ve learned how to switch off after work and enjoy the moment. When I get home, I make a conscious effort to not stress over things I can’t control.”

She credits her support system for helping her achieve this balance. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and I’m grateful for the friends, family, and colleagues who help me maintain that equilibrium. At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. A healthy work-life balance leads to a healthier, more successful life overall.”

Virosha’s journey from science to the family business is a testament to her adaptability and determination. She continues to lead Avvo Labels with passion and a forward-thinking approach, always with an eye on both innovation and sustainability.