“The buzzing bee who rose above it all. Meet Bhavisha Naidoo, a trailblazer in Hospitality and Events who’s been building a hive of Hope through personal tragedy and triumph.
Out of more than 700 nominees, only 98 women were named finalists for the prestigious 2025 Women of Stature Awards. Among them stands Bhavisha Naidoo—a dynamic entrepreneur and change-maker—who has been selected in the Women in MICE, Hospitality, and Tourism category.
Born in 1989 at Mount Mary Hospital in Johannesburg, Bhavisha grew up in Benoni, where her childhood was marked by joy, relentless energy, and early encounters with chronic health conditions like spondylitis and tinnitus. A natural performer and athlete, she juggled modelling, swimming, and a love for cricket and soccer—all while earning the affectionate nickname “Buzzing Bee” for her nonstop drive and enthusiasm. But life changed dramatically when, at just ten years old, both her parents were diagnosed with terminal illnesses. By the age of 22, she had lost them both.
The loss didn’t break her—it became the catalyst for her hustle.
Bhavisha entered the working world early, beginning with cast modelling at age 12 and stepping into the hospitality industry by 16. By 19, she was already a flight controller. Her rapid ascent continued through a series of roles: Account Executive at 21, Operations Manager at 24, and General Manager in the events industry by 26. But it was in 2021, amid the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and after the closure of the company she helped build, that Bhavisha decided to take the leap and found her own business.
Inspired by a mentor’s words and supported by her husband—her “rock and biggest cheerleader”—she launched Busy Bee Concepts, while caring for her nine-month-old miracle baby, born after being told she may never conceive. “The sky isn’t the limit for you,” her husband reminded her—and he was right.
Now, as the Founder and CEO of Busy Bee Concepts, she leads a company that goes far beyond event management. With over 16 years of experience across aviation, travel, events, staffing, hospitality, and virtual services, her business has become a platform for empowerment. To date, the company has executed nearly 200 projects and partnered with world-class brands including Lufthansa, Emirates, MTN, Huawei, Allan Gray Investment Group, and MSC Cruises. Busy Bee Concepts has also had the honour of engaging with global leaders, including South Africa’s own president.
But for Bhavisha, success is not just measured in contracts and client names. Her true mission lies in community upliftment, youth development, and women’s empowerment. She’s faced cyberbullying, personal loss, and health struggles—but each challenge has strengthened her resolve. From anti-bullying and anti-trafficking campaigns to initiatives like Operations Street Blankets for the homeless, she uses her voice and influence to drive change.
In 2018, Bhavisha was named one of the Top 40 Women in MICE—an early sign she was living her purpose. Now, her recognition as a finalist in the Women of Stature Awards affirms not only her personal journey but also the collective effort behind it.
“I don’t do this alone,” she says. “This is a celebration of my hive—my team, my clients, my mentors, my family, and my community. At Busy Bee Concepts, no job is too big and no honey pot harvested is too small.”
Guided by the words of Mahatma Gandhi—“Be the change you wish to see in the world”—Bhavisha Naidoo continues to live out her purpose, one buzzing step at a time.