In a world where academic excellence often takes centre stage, Theshaya Naidoo stands out as a beacon of resilience and authenticity.
At just 24 years old, this dynamic PhD candidate in Law has carved a unique path as a freelance author, instructional designer, and digital content creator.
We spoke to Naidoo about her personal experiences, creative risks, and the motivations that drive her to wake up each day with purpose.
How long have you been an influencer, and what was the motivation behind it?
I posted my first video in 2021 but it only started creating content consistently over the past year. My motivation came from a very personal place.
When I failed maths in matric, I felt incredibly alone. It triggered a deep sense of anxiety and depression.
Around that time, the spotlight was on students with 11 or 12 distinctions, which I admire, but I also realised how little space there was for those of us who gave everything and still fell short.
I started creating content to show students like me that they’re not alone, that their efforts matter, and that they’re still worthy – even if their matric results don’t reflect it.
I wanted to create a platform for students who didn’t top the class but still have so much to offer.
Which of your projects are you most proud of and why?
Ironically, the thing I’m most proud of is failing maths in matric. I got 16%.
At the time, it felt like the end of the world. But looking back, I realise I was never supposed to be doing pure maths to begin with.
That failure forced me to confront how the system treats students who don’t fit the traditional mould.
I was bullied. I had every resource – study guides, tutors – but I just couldn’t get it, and I felt deeply ashamed.
The pressure and isolation led to severe suicidal thoughts. But I showed up. I wrote the exam. And I made it out alive.
That’s my greatest achievement – not the result, but the fact that I survived matric.
That experience now drives my work. I want to help shift the harmful narrative that maths literacy students are somehow less intelligent. They’re not. I wasn’t. And I’m proud to be proof of that.
What are the biggest creative risks you’ve taken, and did they work out for you?
The biggest risk I took was choosing not to pursue articles immediately after finishing my law degree.
It wasn’t something I planned – it just happened as I started exploring other parts of myself.
At times, especially when I see people I graduated with now being admitted as attorneys, I do feel left out.
But stepping away from the traditional route gave me the chance to travel, focus on research, build a platform online, and create work I truly care about.
None of it would have been possible without my mum’s support – financially and emotionally – especially during the early days when I had no stable income.
I took a different path, and while I don’t know what the future holds, I’m grateful for where that risk has led me.
What inspires you to wake up every day and continue in your field of work?
My mother. She’s the reason I’m able to do what I do.
I know the sacrifices she’s made – financially, emotionally, and otherwise – to give me the chance to study and build a life with options.
So every day, I wake up with one goal: to work as hard as I can so that I can make her life easier in return.
What is one misconception people often have about you?
People think all I do is study – and honestly, they’re not completely wrong.
But it’s not because I’m forced to. I genuinely enjoy it. I’m in my grind era, and I’m okay with that. I find learning relaxing.
Some people do yoga; I take courses. I get excited about new ideas, complex problems, and things most people would find boring.
So maybe it’s not a misconception. Maybe the real misconception is thinking that studying is a punishment. For me, it’s peace.
What is your favourite part about living in Pietermaritzburg, and what would you say to people about visiting?
Having travelled to multiple provinces and countries, what I value most about home is how affordable it is.
The cost of living here is far more manageable than most places I’ve been.
Everything is close by – you don’t have to go far to find what you need.
And the people? They’re warm, familiar, and kind. This is home for me. I’ll travel the world, but this is the place I’ll always want to return to.
Aside from home, what are your favourite holiday destinations and why?
One of my favourite places is Singapore.
I’ve also travelled to London and the US, but what stood out the most in all these places was how walkable and safe they felt.
In Singapore, I could be out at 10pm with my phone in hand, taking the bus without fear.
That’s something I wish we had more of in South Africa – freedom of movement without the constant worry.
There’s a lot of life happening after dark, and I feel like we’re missing out on it.
Singapore, in particular, is full of innovation, experiences, and energy. It’s a place that constantly inspires me.
Please give us some words of encouragement for those wanting to get into the digital content creation industry.
Just start. Post the video. Share your journey – especially the parts that hurt.
You don’t know how many people you might be helping by being honest about what you’ve been through.
For me, speaking about my experiences – failing maths, being bullied for my skin tone – wasn’t easy.
But those posts connected me with people who felt seen for the first time.
One message said, “Thank you for reminding me I’m beautiful, even though I’m dark.”
That’s when I realised that content creation can be healing – not just for others, but for you too.
Don’t go into it for the money. That takes time. Just post the first video. It might not be perfect, but it’s a start – and that’s enough.
