Curiosity and motivation have been the driving forces behind Tarusila Mei, a 40-year-old market vendor who has been in the business for more than a decade. These principles have not only guided her but have also unveiled a new talent.
Ms. Mei has dedicated her time to learning and crafting one of Fiji’s cherished accessories—the salusalu. Her interest sparked in 2018 when she began observing friends create colorful pieces.
“My salusalu business began around 2018,” she stated. “I would watch other women as they made salusalu to sell. Their encouragement and belief in my potential inspired me to embark on this journey. It’s time-consuming but a fun experience.”
In 2018, Ms. Mei created salusalu for her two children’s graduation day. The joy of seeing them wear the pieces she made filled her with pride. “My second daughter, who was in Class 7, received a progressive prize, while my younger child, in Class 3, placed first in her class. This moment motivated me to create more,” she shared.
Since then, public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, pushing Ms. Mei to produce well-crafted designs to meet customer preferences. She successfully manages two businesses, bolstered by hard work and determination. One of her enterprises is a vegetable stall founded by her mother-in-law years ago.
“My brother-in-law supplies me with root crops and vegetables from his land at Narara. Like all businesses, some days are better than others. When I lack certain produce, I often purchase from middlemen.”
Her day begins at around 4 a.m. for devotion, followed by preparing her children’s lunches. In her rare free moments, Ms. Mei enjoys listening to gospel music. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her business within the next five years.
Her message to women is clear: ignore gender barriers in the pursuit of success. “If you are willing, just do it,” she encourages.