focus_contributor.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
with CATH FOWLER
JADE
NAIDU
F R O M T H E D I G I TA L L A N E W AY
C
W O O L G O O L G A P E R F O R M I N G A R T S S T U D I O A N D N A I D U T H E AT R E C O M PA N Y
an you tell us a little bit about your business? I’m the Artistic Director and owner of NAIDU Theatre Co (a family-run business with all of my Fijian Indian family working behind the scenes from all around the world with me!) and Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio. WPAS serves as a training facility for lovers of all things music and the performing arts. From preschoolers to women in their 80’s – we cater and work with all artists no matter their background, diversity or level. NAIDU Theatre Co serves as an Independent Performing Arts Company producing original works, cabarets, and musicals. Currently our team is Directing/Choreographing Disney’s Frozen Jr for the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium and we’re in the midst of writing a new musical called ‘Girmit’ based on the Fijian Indian’s indenture in Fiji from 1879-1916. What’s your favourite part of the work you do? Working with an incredible community! ‘Shining a light on unity in diversity through the arts’ is what it’s all about for me. That no matter your passion – dance, theatre, lindy hop, guitar, drums etc – we’re all united with joy in one space. The other part I love is creating and being 88 COFFS COAST
focus
an artist. Operating two businesses has been the space I needed to be the artist I am. I love being able to be an artist at the core of everything I do now – from choreographing, to songwriting and composition to performing myself. I get to fulfil every artistic aspect of my life through my businesses. Who is your greatest influence in business? Fellow women in business that I have the pleasure to meet every week! Meeting women who own and run businesses whilst juggling motherhood, work, money and their own happiness. Being part of the Business Women’s Network and Woolgoolga Chamber of Commerce has really made me sit back and observe the incredible women I’m surrounded by, and their many influences over what I do. Every woman in business that I meet plays a huge role in what influences and shapes my next move and how I improve my own business. Have you always lived on the Coffs Coast? I’ve lived here since 2016. I never intended for Coffs to become ‘home’ but in the magic way this place works, it did! I’d just come off a big contract working in Mumbai as a Director and wanted a place to ‘rest’ before the next big adventure. I have family and friends in Woolgoolga and I came and stayed with them for a ‘breather’. Six months turned into six years and there’s no place like it! I love the
communities here, the passion the locals have for change and progressing forward. I really love our Arts community especially – so many like-minded people making incredible art and supporting each other. What piece of advice would you give women making their way in the business world? Our biggest challenge and limitations in business (from my experience) are our own belief systems formed as young children. The ‘personal’ and ‘self’ work is just as important as growing or starting a business because the longevity and balance that life requires of you needs to first come from a place of calm and clarity. Doing that ‘inner’ work, as cliched as it sounds, becomes the place you go to when times are difficult, things feel stuck and you’re not sure what your next move is. Your body and mind is your ‘home’ and it needs to be a place that you can safely go to and rest before coming back to kick some business butt! The safer your space is ‘inside’, the stronger mindset you can build for your business and not be knocked down as hard when it happens. Where can people find out more about your business? naidutheatrecompany.com woolgoolgaperformingartsstudio.com
