Biomedical scientist and entrepreneur Dr Judey Pretorius shares how financial literacy, entrepreneurship and bold decision-making can empower women to build wealth and create generational legacies
By Mapaballo Borotho
On Point of View on Monday, Phemelo Motene and biomedical scientist and entrepreneur Dr Judey Pretorius discussed the JSE’s SheInvests initiative, an event dedicated to empowering women.
They unpacked how health, entrepreneurship and financial literacy can help women build wealth, make informed decisions and create brighter futures for themselves and future generations.
Dr Judey Pretorius is the founder and managing director of Biomedical Emporium and one of the sponsors of the JSE’s SheInvests initiative.
She explained why the project resonates so deeply with her and aligns with what she believes in.
“Firstly, August is one of my favourite months of the year because we celebrate women, as we should every month. There’s something special about events like these, especially under the JSE banner.
They not only empower women but also educate them about ownership, taking ownership of their decisions and their lifestyle,” she said.
The JSE SheInvests event brings together women from all walks of life to share their experiences, ideas, insights on wealth creation and building lasting legacies.
Pretorius urged women to stop doubting themselves or being afraid to pursue their dreams because others might label them as “overqualified.”
“There is no such thing as being overqualified. Our country has so many complex problems, and we need people to solve them. The skincare industry is one of those areas where innovation is needed,” she said.
At the event on Saturday, 2 August 2026, Pretorius will share her entrepreneurial journey and the legacy she hopes to build through her skincare business.
She will also reflect on how she managed her finances when starting her business.
“I resigned from my job without the security of having another one. I then decided to sell my house and move back home with my mother. I used the money from the sale of my house to start my business. Some of the invoices I had to pay made me feel nauseous, but those were investments I knew I had to make,” she said.
Pretorius acknowledged that entrepreneurs rarely have all the resources they need but said success comes from making the most of what is available.
“You must use whatever you have and make it work for you. When I started my business, I was the sales representative, worked in the lab, packed the products, and handled all the marketing myself. It wasn’t perfect, but people need to understand that if you are authentic in your business, there will always be people who connect with your products and services,” she said.
“Remember, there will always be people who don’t love what you do, and there will always be competition.”
Her final piece of advice was aimed at young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“If you’re in your 20s or early 30s, don’t get too comfortable. This is the time to hustle, make sacrifices, embrace the early mornings and late nights. Later, you’ll be able to give back to yourself,” she said.
Listen to the podcast for the full conversation
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