Reshma Singh has carved out an impressive career, transitioning from farm work to selling high-quality diamonds, demonstrating a remarkable journey from modest beginnings.
Originally from Nawaicoba in Nadi, Ms. Singh is the eldest of five siblings and embodies a success that stems from a strong work ethic, loyalty, and perseverance. She shared her humble roots, saying, “I’m a daughter of a farmer; my father’s primary crop was sugarcane, and my mother managed domestic tasks.”
Ms. Singh’s education took her through Nawaicoba Public School and Sri Vivekananda High School. However, her academic progress was disrupted by the nation’s first military coup in 1987, which had a significant impact on her life. “That was a very troubling time for me and my family… I couldn’t complete my Form 6,” she recalled. The upheaval caused her community to feel the strain, leading to a period of uncertainty.
With encouragement from her grandfather, Ms. Singh returned to her studies and finished her Form 6. After school, she began working on her family’s farm, but soon her potential was noticed by an uncle, who helped her land a job at Tappoos as a stock coordinator.
After three years, she made the switch to Prouds, where she started in a junior role but quickly climbed the ranks thanks to her dedication. She moved from stock coordinator to executive buyer and, ultimately, to retail manager in 2000. Ms. Singh held that position for 23 years before being promoted to general manager late last year. “I have been with Prouds for 32 years… and I can say I have succeeded a lot in this company,” she reflected.
Ms. Singh attributes her achievements to the lessons learned from her challenges, maintaining that although her career sometimes makes her consider further education, her work ethic and practical experience are the foundations of her success.
In addition to her professional life, she is a proud mother to a 29-year-old son, a lawyer at Munro Leys, whom she affectionately refers to as “my heart.” She emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion, values that underpin her interactions with both colleagues and customers.
To the younger generation, Ms. Singh advises, “If you work hard, you’re going to succeed.” Committed to her role at Prouds, she adds, “As long as I’m happy, I will work for Prouds.” She likens her personal growth to the diamonds she helps sell: “Like the diamonds we have here on display, the more I’m cut, carved, and polished, the more I shine.”