On June 24, 2025, more than forty women gathered for the SheTrades Mauritius Executive leadership workshop to discuss motivating workforces, driving innovation, and making difficult strategic decisions among seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs. Among them was Thelma Maharaullee, a CEO of blinds.mu. She was the first to volunteer to speak. Her confidence, humor, and openness stood out to me. I wanted to know more.
The workshop ended and after a quick chat, Thelma warmly invited me to see her business. There I was, following her truck into the heart of Mauritius, to the village where she built her blinds manufacturing plant. There, I met Thelma’s team, toured the plant, and experienced firsthand the dignity and humour Thelma brings to every interaction.
Thelma launched blinds.mu at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first business of its kind in Mauritius to sell blinds online with a simple, do-it-yourself installation model. Today, her company supplies individuals, corporations, and government clients. Beyond business, she is a leader in her country, her immediate community and a mentor to aspiring women entrepreneurs.
“Being a female business owner in Mauritius is both empowering and challenging. I don’t fit in a box, and I stopped trying to,” she says with a wink. That spirit of resilience and genuineness is what attracts customers and makes Thelma Maharaullee a WOW Woman.
- Olga Shmaidenko, Founder of WOW Woman.
Entrepreneur, CEO, Dagotière, Mauritius
1. Name.
Thelma Maharaullee.
2. Where is your hometown?
Curepipe, Mauritius
3. What is your profession? What does your average day look like?
I’m the founder of blinds.mu, a solo parent, a woman entrepreneur, and an advocate for other women in business. My day is a balance of managing orders, solving customer problems, following up with suppliers, checking on site installations—and being present for my 14-year-old son, emotionally and practically.
4. What did you study in school?
I did my Bsc in Mechanical Engineer from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA and an MBA specializing in Marketing, University of Technology, Mauritius.
5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the breakthrough moment for you (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?
The road was hard, especially doing it alone—with a child, without a safety net. But I turned every setback into a setup. Starting blinds.mu was the turning point: it gave me financial freedom and showed my son what resilience looks like. Being a candidate for the general elections and invited on national platforms to speak as a business voice were more breakthrough.
6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?
At 20, I never imagined I’d be a solo parent running a business. I thought life would follow a more "normal" path. But today, I’m stronger, wiser, and deeply fulfilled in a way I didn’t know possible.
7. Was there a time when life knocked you down? How did you get back up?
Absolutely—multiple times. Especially raising a child alone while building a business in a tough economy. I got back up because I had to. For my son. For myself. I kept showing up, one step at a time.
8. Advice for other women?
Stop asking for permission. You are allowed to dream, to start, to lead, to fail—and to rise again. Build your own table. Get comfortable with not knowing everything—but never stop learning.
9. Is being a female business owner in Mauritius help or hinder success? What about being a Muslim woman?
It’s a challenge, yes—but also a superpower. Being a female business owner in Mauritius is both empowering and challenging. We stand out, we’re underestimated, and that becomes our edge. Especially in hijab, I’m often underestimated or judged before I speak—but that only pushes me to prove that modesty and ambition can absolutely coexist. I don’t fit in a box—and I’ve stopped trying to.
10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest”?
When my son looks at me with pride. When I close a deal I fought hard for. When I mentor another woman through her own business journey.
11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?
I create beauty and peace, even during chaos. It’s how I recharge. I also enjoy mentoring younger entrepreneurs when I can.
12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?
I want to turn blinds.mu into a household name across the Indian Ocean. I want to build a women-led platform that supports other solo parents and micro-entrepreneurs. I want to see my son being able to live his life to the fullest.
13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?
The fear of not being “enough”—as a mother, leader, or woman. But I’m learning to redefine “enough” on my own terms.
14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?
I’d trust my gut earlier and stop waiting for the “perfect” time. I believe that survival itself is already success. But regret? Nah. Everything I’ve lived has shaped me. Into a woman who walks with purpose, power, and presence.
15. What inspires you?
My son. Women who show up boldly.
16. What are some ingredients to a good life? Has the global pandemic changed your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?
The pandemic flipped the script. It taught me that a good life isn’t about hustle and noise — it’s about Peace, faith, health, boundaries, and purpose.
17. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?
Resilience – I don’t give up, no matter how hard life hits.
Authenticity – I’ve never tried to fit into anyone’s box. I show up as I am, always
My Faith in God – It’s my anchor. Through the chaos, through the triumphs, it’s my source of peace, power, and purpose.
My superpower? Balancing business, motherhood, and self-growth—without losing my identity.
18. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?
You’re enough. Speak up. You are not too much. You are a warrior!
19. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?
• Madonna – for her unapologetic freedom, reinvention, and refusal to fit into anyone’s mold. She reminds me that we have the right to define ourselves—again and again.
• Olga Shmaidenko - She celebrates resilience and realness with purpose and heart by celebrating real, raw, and powerful stories of women from all walks of life.
• Myself – as a single Muslim mother, I’ve learned to fight quietly, rebuild repeatedly, and still show up with strength and love. Sometimes the WOW woman is the one in the mirror—surviving, leading, and thriving against all odds.
20. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?
Website: blinds.mu
Tiktok, Instagram & Facebook: @blinds.mu
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BONUS QUICK ROUND
1. What and who is worth suffering for? My son. My integrity. My independence.
2. What is your dream for yourself? To create a legacy of impact through entrepreneurship and advocacy.
3. Who are your mentors? My dad
4. What do you not want anyone else to know about you? That sometimes I cry in silence. But then I wipe my tears and get back to work.
5. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days? Mentor young women, travel, and write my story.
6. What bothers you most about other people? What do you love most about other people? Bothers: Arrogance and entitlement. Love: Authenticity, kindness, and generosity.
