Cerisha Naicker

Cerisha Naicker, the director of DigitalProductions and producer of the Get Real Talk Show, has built her career around one clear purpose: to tell stories that move people. Digital Productions is a vibrant video and photography company that specialises in the wedding industry and corporate events. The Get Real Talk is a proudly KZN show where extraordinary individuals and celebrities share their inspiring stories.

As the creative force behind Digital Productions, Cerisha has spent more than 13 years perfecting the art of visual storytelling. The company, founded in 2011 by her husband, became her professional home a year later. “I joined in 2012 in the belief that every company has a compelling story waiting to be told,” she explained. For Cerisha, creativity and purpose have always gone hand in hand. “We partner with many ambitious companies to produce high-impact video content that they can use to showcase their brands and unique skills to their clients.”

Six years into Digital Productions, Cerisha had the opportunity to produce the Get Real Talk Show. Through
this platform, she has met remarkable personalities whose experiences have shaped her outlook on life
and business. “Every episode of the Get Real Talk Show reminds me why I do what I do,” she shared. “It allows us to highlight inspiring people, from entrepreneurs to artists, who make an impact in their communities. It’s not just entertainment; it’s about empowerment and storytelling.”

BUILDING A VISION
Cerisha’s ambitions have evolved with time and experience. “If I had to define the word dream, it kept
changing as I grew up,” she reflected. “But as I got older, I realised how this world works and that we each must have a goal set up for ourselves. I was a very bright student in school and I just wanted to be successful and financially independent.”

Her love for film has also influenced her creative direction. “I have to say watching Bollywood films
helped inspire me to create cinematic videos for our bridal couples and for corporate events as well. The rich
colours, emotions, and storytelling style really shaped my approach to videography.”

But her greatest inspiration comes from her partner in both life and business. “My husband has inspired me
a lot. He motivates me,” she said sincerely. “Whenever there is an event taking place and I am a bit stressed,
he is just there to motivate me and get me back to being me. His belief in me pushes me to be better
every day.”

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Cerisha’s rise in the industry was not without challenges. As a young woman entering a field, she had to work hard to earn credibility and respect. “When I first joined this company, I was much younger,” she recalled. “When couples came to meet me, I sometimes felt they thought I was too young. That was a bit of a challenge.”

“At that time, it was very male dominated,” Cerisha said. “I used to go to functions where there were 200 to 300 guests, and people would look at me and think, ‘Is she really going to be behind the camera?’ Those looks made me feel a bit awkward, but I got stronger with time. Now I can accept any challenge.”

Cerisha’s success today is the result of dedication and hands-on leadership. “I would say I’m very good at multi- tasking,” she said proudly. “I am personally at the weddings, at our shoots, and at our interviews. If you happen to come to a function, you will see me with a camera or a gimbal in my hand creating these cinematic videos.”

She approaches every project with a personal touch. “I do a lot of networking, and we keep up to date with the latest skills and equipment that help us get to where we are today,” she said. “I personally meet with clients, and I try to build trust between us. I am the face of the company, and I work very hard to do that.” Her commitment has not gone unnoticed. “A few achievements that stand out for me include winning
the Margaret Hirsch Women in Business Award for the Umhlanga region,” Cerisha said with pride. “Last year,
I was nominated for the Influential Woman Award as well.

INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS
Cerisha’s advice to young women entering business is to: “Never stop chasing your dreams.” She said, “Many
young women these days are just interested in doing a career or having a business that brings in an income,
but that’s not the case. If you have a passion, go for it, because if you love what you are doing, that will bring
income to you.”

She emphasised the timeless values that have guided her success. “Work hard, put in 100%, as my mom used to always say, never say you can’t. And being kind costs nothing, but it changes everything. It is so hard to find nice people whether you are in a shopping mall, in business, or anywhere else. Just be the best person you can always be.”

Looking ahead, Cerisha has clear ambitions for the future. “My goals are to grow Digital Productions and
expand it as much as I can,” she said. “I want to keep finding innovative ways to make us more unique and
to push creative boundaries. There is always something new to learn and explore in this field.”

Despite her demanding schedule, Cerisha makes sure to prioritise balance and family. “I love walking along
the promenade and spending time with my husband. I truly love spending time with my niece and nephew.
They help to de-stress me and play such an important part in my life. They remind me of the simple joys that
keep me grounded.”

Cerisha’s journey is a testament to what resilience and self-belief can achieve. “You have to show up, even
when people doubt you,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve learnt that confidence is built by doing what you love
every single day, regardless of the challenges.”