WRITTEN BY: OMEGA NGEMA
While humans may be the most innovative and evolutionary creatures walking the planet, the ominous nature of some of their methods to achieve this evolution is undeniable.
During the covid-19 pandemic lockdown, many of these methods were brought to a halt, resulting in the rejuvenation of the mother of existence and the restoration of natural habitats.
As the oceans cleaned themselves out, and the trees breathed a fresher air for all animals, we found that our souls also slowly became rehabilitated.
This ironic realisation was iconic South Coast venue, Bcubed Guesthouse, co-owner Leka Reddy’s humble lesson from the Covid-19 aftermath.
While like many, she admits the economic devastation to her business and her material livelihood, however, she also well received the beckoning of the earth to nurture deeper exigencies.
“I have learned to keep it simple. To go back to the basics, respect Mother Nature, appreciate what we have, give thanks to the universe, live clean, and finally to live in the moment but keep moving,” said Leka.
She and her husband Vasen Reddy, own the 15-year-old guesthouse, positioned right before the region’s economic capital of Port Shepstone, and serving as the idyllic entrée to the exquisite South Coast.
The Southport venue detours directly off the main highway from Durban and invites visitors to the tranquillity of the South Coast’s Bendigio Nature Reserve located within the property.
The Reddys have explored this aspect of their venue even further during these changing times, and as a result, introduced an added feat to their offering.
As of April 2021, Bcubed Guesthouse will be introducing exclusive Nature Trails into the Bendigo Nature Reserve via the property.
The free-spirited Leka may be the laugh and shine of the merry venue now however she is no stranger to hardship. Her story is a testament that through hard work, perseverance and bravery, one can overcome the most trying of times.
When most 16-year-olds were enjoying the silliness of teenage escapades, floating on their dreams of glossier futures, Leka’s dreams were cruelly usurped from her when she was traditionally married off to the son of an affluent businessman.
For the next year, the once professional lawyer hopeful would work in one of the many family businesses with the other lady folk of the family. Within a year or so she fell pregnant with her first son, Kivesh, who is now 23 years old and her situation took a turn for the absolute worst.
“Post having my son, I was expected to stay at the neighbouring house and take care of the baby. I obliged and stayed indoors alone all day and night until I became depressed, lonely, and sad. About nine months thereafter I decided to leave this situation,” said Leka who then chose to return to her parent’s home as a single mother at only 18 years old.
She then had to work to provide for her baby while completing her studies at the same time. After completing matric she further her studies in Business Management and obtained a Diploma from a local institution.
In 1999, two years after she escaped from her captors, Leka met her current husband Vasen at age 20 and the two lovebirds officially tied the knot in 2004. Shortly thereafter, however, in 2006, Vasen was forced to resign from his day job, due to unforeseen circumstances.
The new family was forced to find other ways to survive and that is how Bcubed was born.
“We had to take a business loan to start the Guesthouse only to find as we were going along that we were going to need a second loan to complete it. After pursuing this we opened to operate on 1 December 2006, just over 14 years ago,” said Leka.
The business has evolved over the years adding a Function/Venue Room, a Restaurant (Leka’s) as well as combined packages.
“Our Venue is amazing in that it is located near a main road access route. It is also set on a large property with tall trees, green grass, a flowing natural stream, and not to mention the protected Nature Reserve right next door to us. Bendigo Nature Reserve boasts an array of indigenous trees, birds, wildlife, and trails, hence the name Bcubed – (Bendigo, B&B equals 3 B’s),” said Leka.
She said if she could start the chapters of her life over again she would learn to make more strategic decisions, particularly in terms of her business by working smarter and not harder.
“My humble advice to anyone thinking of starting their own business would be to be authentic. Listen to advice but sift through the information and adapt your thinking with each lesson. Remember the energy you give off is the energy you will attract. Always give off your sweetest energy, and laugh often,” said Leka.
