Seshmi Holloway

Seshmi Holloway, the managing director of JRS Solutions leads a company that specialises in electronic security solutions, offering services in access control, CCTV, information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, and port automation. With over 16 years of experience in the industry, JRS Solutions has become a prominent player, representing an internationally recognised company at the ports of Durban and Port Elizabeth.

“Our port automation solutions focus on access control for trucks entering the terminals,” says Seshmi. “We
maintain and support the automation systems that regulate these entries.” Seshmi’s journey into the world of electronic security wasn’t one she had initially envisioned. As a mother of three, she started her entrepreneurial journey by selling stationery, seeking flexibility to balance family life.

“The business grew beyond my expertise, and so I joined forces with my husband, who is an electronics engineer,” she recalls. “Together, we decided to expand the business and market it. I had to quickly adapt, learning a lot about electronics, CCTV, surveillance, and access control.

Entering a male-dominated industry was daunting, but perseverance helped me thrive.” Seshmi’s determination led her to navigate the complexities of the ICT industry, where she attended site meetings and learned technical aspects of the business. “It was a steep learning curve, but I’ve always believed that if you work hard enough and stay focused, you can overcome challenges,” she adds.

A VISION FOR IMPACT
Building a business that leaves a lasting impact has always been Seshmi’s goal. The name of her company,
JRS Solutions, carries deep personal significance, as it is an acronym for her three children: Joshua, Rebecca, and Samuel. “The business is a legacy for them,” she explains.

“I want it to make a significant impact not only in the economy but also in the lives of people. It’s not just about creating jobs, but about empowering people." Samuel, Shesmi’s son, who recently completed a computer science degree, has joined the business, bringing innovation and fresh perspectives. “He’s helping us expand and stretch our thinking, which is exciting,” Sheshmi says with pride. “It’s great to see the next generation involved and contributing to the company’s growth.”

In addition to running JRS Solutions, Seshmi is passionate about supporting other entrepreneurs. She has been a part of several enterprise development programmes, including those focused on supply chain development and quality management. “I’ve had the privilege of working with outstanding mentors who have helped me grow as both a person and a business leader,” Holloway shares. “These experiences have shaped me and have taken the business to the next level.”

GLOBAL ASPIRATIONS
JRS Solutions has grown into a recognised player in the electronic security industry. “Two years ago, we moved from being a small and medium enterprise to a qualifying small enterprise. We are on a trajectory to grow even further, and this year, we’ve been able to maintain our ISO 9001 certification for the past ten years.” Under Seshmi’s leadership, JRS Solutions has been featured in various industry publications and recognised for its outstanding achievements. Another achievement was the company’s successful exit from
an investment programme with Edge Growth through Engen where they paid off their loan and witnessed the fruits of the investment.

In addition to this, JRS Solutions was recognised as the Best IT Solutions Company by the Durban University of Technology’s Centre for Software Engineering (DUT CSE). Seshmi also mentors entrepreneurs at DUT’s incubation programme, imparting her knowledge on quality management systems and financial management. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to teach others and share what I’ve learned over the years,” she says.

THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE
However, Seshmi acknowledges the challenges that have come with running a business. One of the biggest
hurdles she faced was attracting investment and loans, especially when working capital was tight. “But over
time, we built the business to a point where we could attract the necessary capital, and compliance played a
key role in this. You need to be disciplined about things like VAT, taxes, and ensuring that your financial systems are in order,” she stresses. “Without financial discipline, it’s impossible to grow a business. And that was one of our greatest achievements; becoming a compliant company.”

As a result, JRS Solutions was supported through grants from Invcuvest for the past five years. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be we are today,” added Seshmi. Personal challenges also presented themselves along the way. Seshmi speaks candidly about battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome. “I’ve struggled with fear of failure and not knowing enough, but what keeps me going is knowing that failure isn’t the end,” she reflects. “It’s a stepping stone. Every failure teaches you something.”

Looking ahead, Seshmi is focused on expanding JRS Solutions beyond South Africa and into Africa. “The goal is to become a hub for Africa, manufacturing export-ready products and making a global impact,” she explains. “We’re already representing an international company in Europe, and now we want to take it further.”

When asked about advice for young entrepreneurs, Seshmi is clear: “Don’t let fear silence your purpose. Don’t let insecurities or doubts stop you from pursuing your passion. Find what you love and do it to the best of your ability. And never give up. We all can bounce back from failure.”

As for balancing work, family, and personal life, Seshmi admits it’s a constant juggling act. “Life is hectic. I
have children, a business, and I’m involved in various community and church activities. But finding time for
reflection and prioritising self-care is essential,” she says. “For young mothers, I’d advise you to take the time to attend those school events, spend time with your children, and enjoy those precious moments. Time flies,
and you don’t want to miss them.”

Seshmi believes that every entrepreneur’s journey is unique and should be celebrated. “In a world where social media often pressures us to conform to a certain image, it’s important to embrace our authenticity,” she concludes. “We are all making a difference in our own way."