Sneha Khemraz: “Insurance director, a stressful job for a young woman”

Director at S. Khemraz Insurance Agency Ltd, Sneha Khemraz is a young entrepreneur who has made it through hard-work and dedication. She gave a sneak peek of her world to News on Sunday.

From a very young age, Sneha Khemraz used to assist her dad in the family business. Her curiosity to learn led her into the insurance sector. “During school holidays, I used to assist my parents in running the family business. I used to interact with customers, listen to their needs and advise them. After my HSC exams, I joined in as a full-timer. My dad, who has been in this field since 1981, saw my potential, that I myself wasn’t aware. He wanted me to take over the business. He became my instructor and guide until I reached the final destination,” shares the former student of Pamplemousses SSS.

According to the young director, the insurance sector is full of challenges. “Being a young director, many times, people will doubt your capabilities. In the past, a lot of people have questioned my abilities because they thought I was too young to deal with business. But when they came to learn about my background, their perception changed. Besides, it is hard to carve a niche within the insurance sector. You need perseverance, interact with a maximum number of people and build your network,” she says.

Competition is a hallmark of her line of business. “In order to survive the fierce competition, you need to constantly be present on the market, do your market research and interact with customers. You need to have a different approach with clients. That is why we try to have personalised services such as delivery of insurance certificates as per their request.”

Being a female entrepreneur is stressful, as you have to keep your eyes open to details. “A female entrepreneur should remain alert, never be of the reserved type, be able to handle the administrative work and manage the staff. Always believe that what your mind can conceive, it can achieve.”   

Work-life balance

Sneha is still currently undertaking a degree in marketing at Middlesex University. “My parents are my greatest supporters. Whenever I am busy with my studies, they look after the business. Whenever, I need any advice, they are here for me. They provide me with guidance. They know I can perform better and achieve more in life,” she avers.

For her, anyone should strive towards a work-life balance. Whenever she has time, she likes to drive around the island and visit her close relatives. “It is always a pleasure to be amidst family. Often, we get so taken up in our daily lives that we forget to enjoy life. So, I find it necessary to spend my week-ends with my family and visit the elders.”

Although she is climbing the stairs of success, Sneha Khemraz believes she has a lot more to achieve. “My journey has just began. More is yet to come. I just need to remain focused and persevere even more.” 

Despite her tight schedule, the businesswoman still finds time for her passion for martial arts which she started in 2005. Sneha Khemraz is a black belt and has participated in various regional and national competitions. She has won between 80 to 90 medals as well as a few trophies. She even has an instructor certificate. “Martial arts have proven to be very beneficial for me. Instead of indulging in destructive activities, it is better to spend your energy on something constructive and one of them is sports. I am not participating in any competition. Martial arts help me focus and remain positive in whatever I do.” 

She is willing to help the vulnerable and mostly girls from falling prey to social ills. “I wish to help the young generation to enter the world of sports rather than consuming alcohol, drugs or cigarettes.” Sneha Khemraz also has a passion for music, dance and theatre. “My mother is very artistic while my father is the business type. I have inherited traits from both. I play guitar, piano and sings. It helps me to relax.” 

This simple girl wants to shake the world with her dreams. She cherishes many dreams not only for herself but for society as well. First, she wants to set an NGO to help distressed families. “I really want to establish an NGO where families who are suffering can get help and do something on their own. I will act more like a helping hand in trying to redress their situation. Many times, these people not only need financial support, but they also need emotional and psychological help. They need someone who can listen to them.”

Given her passion for sports, Sneha wants to open a gym for youngsters and women. “Through my gym, I will try to get the young generation to take up sports. The gym will be affordable and accessible to everyone. It will promote healthy living.” Sneha has also the vision to extend her business. “Together with my parents, we will take the business to the next level. We will try to open other branches across the island and attract more clients.”  Nevertheless, our services (door to door) are already across the island.