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Humans of RCL FOODS: Tanya Esson
The quiet strength that changed everything…How Tanya Esson found her voice
Tanya Esson, Packaging Manager for Groceries in Randfontein, knows what it means to rebuild a life. She has risen from a place of fear and uncertainty into a space of confidence and purpose.
A year and a half ago, Tanya describes herself as someone who could get through an entire workday without speaking. Meetings, introductions, even small conversations were things she would quietly avoid. “I was the quietest, shyest person. I would have been happy coming to work, doing my job, and not saying a single word all day,” she recalls.
Now, she is a manager who leads with curiosity and courage, building relationships, taking on new challenges, and inspiring those around her. The difference is not just the title. It is the people who believed in her, colleagues, mentors, and teammates, and the self-belief that grew from their support.
Resilience through life’s challenges
Tanya’s journey has not been easy. She became a mother at 18, navigating a path she had not planned, and she endured an abusive relationship. At one point she and her young daughter had to seek safety in a shelter. “I was one of the fortunate ones,” she reflects. “I took what happened and grew from it, instead of letting it destroy me. Going through that taught me perspective and I would not be where I am today without it.”
Her experiences shaped a mindset that values every day. “Life is so short. You need to make every day count. We sometimes moan about what we do, but we do not realise how lucky we are,” she says.
Finding passion and purpose at work
Tanya’s path into packaging started by chance. Straight out of school, she found a job in sales at a packaging company, where she discovered a genuine passion for the craft. She studied packaging, worked diligently, and eventually joined RCL FOODS in 2013. After a brief departure, she returned in 2019 as an assistant packaging manager. A year and a half ago, she stepped into the role of Packaging Manager, overseeing packaging across QSR, Pet Food, Culinary, and more recently, Beverages.
Taking on beverages was initially daunting. “I knew absolutely nothing about it,” Tanya admits. “Two years ago, I would not have had the confidence to say yes. Now, I am excited. It is a challenge, and I am ready for it.”
She credits much of her growth to the support of her colleagues. “Their belief in me made me believe in myself. It is amazing how much you can grow when people back you and give you space to try.”
Her small team plays a huge role too. “Knowing someone has your back allows you to focus on bigger challenges.”
Creating connection and inclusion
Tanya has also stepped into leadership through RCL FOODS’ Diversity and Inclusion Circles, spaces that encourage employees to share experiences and learn from one another. Her first session with the executive team was nerve-wracking. “It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life,” she says. “But once I understood what the circles were about, I saw how they connect people, how everyone’s voice matters, and how it builds understanding. Being part of that has been incredible. It has shown me that inclusion is not just a concept, it is how we show up for each other.”
Her work as a First Aider in the building also reflects this care, showing that leadership is as much about supporting people as it is about achieving results.
A lifelong dream fulfilled
Outside the office, Tanya’s passion for horses has been a lifelong thread. “Ever since I was three, all I wanted was a horse,” she laughs. Her mother tried to steer her toward ballet, but Tanya would do everything wrong on purpose. Her father secretly took her to ride horses when her mother was not looking. Eventually, the dream could no longer be hidden.
Today, she owns two horses and competes in showjumping and polocrosse, often alongside her daughter. Riding has become a space of freedom and focus, a reminder of the joy that comes from following a dream and committing to it fully.
The quiet power of change
Tanya’s story is about transformation. Over the past year and a half, she has made a complete 180 from a quiet, reserved employee to a confident manager and mentor. Today, she also celebrates another beautiful 180 degree in her journey: Yorick, a wonderful man who loves her and her daughter wholeheartedly. Her journey shows how much the people around you, your team, colleagues, and company, can impact your life. Courage, resilience, and self-belief have turned even the hardest chapters into fuel for growth.
“I have gone through things that could have broken me,” she says. “But they built me instead. Now I get to come to work, challenge myself, support others, and keep growing. That is something I am really proud of.”
