A local entrepreneur is making strides in the community through his bakery business, which not only offers baked goods but also provides support for the local economy. Tevita Loga, a 56-year-old businessman, operates Three T’s Bakery in Naruwai, situated in the Dama area of Bua.
The bakery has been running for just about a month and has quickly gained popularity due to the demand from local residents, especially in Dama and surrounding regions. Loga and his wife are dedicated to establishing a strong community presence with their venture.
“Our bakery is the first of its kind in Dama and has become a significant resource for other local villages,” Loga stated. He emphasized that the bakery was initiated because his village is quite isolated, making access to baked goods a challenge for residents.
Approximately 130 families reside in the village, and the bakery aims to ease their access to work opportunities, especially for those coming from Labasa and Nabouwalu, which are about 200 kilometers away.
Loga mentioned that over the past three weeks, they have noticed a positive trend in sales, with local community members increasingly purchasing items like cream buns, cheese buns, pizza, coconut rolls, and cakes.
“This is a great service that continues to expand as it supports those who are currently unemployed in the community,” he added. Loga noted that the growth of their business correlates with local purchasing habits and has recently reported a surge in sales in the last three weeks.
However, Loga pointed out some challenges, such as the inconsistency in deliveries from villages and the complications faced by transport services that frequently disrupt the supply chain.
Additionally, he highlighted the need for improved market visibility in Nabouwalu, where there is a high demand for various goods, including pizza and other baked products. The bakery aims to establish a small local outlet to cater to the community’s needs.
Loga encourages other entrepreneurs to remain resilient and to think critically about how they can contribute to their local economies, stressing the importance of having a positive outlook and continuously improving their businesses for sustained success in the long term.
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