A group of determined women at the Namaka Florist Market in Fiji are transforming their passion for flowers into a source of income that supports their families. Among them is 57-year-old Viniana Liku, who has been running her flower stall for over a decade, a skill she learned from her late mother. “I used to accompany my mother to the market, watching how she arranged and sold her flowers. Now I’ve built my own business based on those skills. It has become a reliable source of income, and I’ve been able to support my family through it,” she shared.
Another florist, 71-year-old Alesi Natui, began her business in 2014 and consistently supports her grandchildren through her work. “This business has supported me and my family a lot. I supply a business client twice a week and earn about $2,000 per month, excluding my sales at the market. It’s beneficial as we are our own boss,” Natui noted.
Vasenai Tinaimarama, originally from Labasa, dreams of opening a florist market in her hometown to provide similar opportunities for women. “I hope there will be a market in Labasa just like the one in Namaka,” she expressed, highlighting the potential for local women to benefit from floral entrepreneurship.
These women emphasize that their work in floristry not only provides financial stability but also fosters independence and pride. Their narratives mirror a broader trend seen in local markets across Fiji, where individuals—like Peniana Matai and Tokasa Wati from previous articles—are embracing entrepreneurship to support their families. Matai transitioned from casual work to a market vendor, sharing how this change opened many opportunities for her. Likewise, Wati’s success in farming showcases the economic potential of local initiatives.
The stories of these women resonate with themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and community support, illustrating how passion and hard work can lead to meaningful change in their lives and the lives of those around them. By creating spaces for creativity and entrepreneurship, they inspire others to pursue their goals, fostering a vibrant economic landscape in Fiji.
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