A 58-year-old entrepreneur from Nasolo in Ba, Loraini Bula, is a shining example of how determination and cultural pride can lead to personal and community success. Balancing her roles as a devoted mother of five adult daughters and a business owner, Bula has cultivated her brand, Loraini’s Creations, which specializes in hand-printed sarongs celebrating Fijian and Pacific Island culture.

Bula’s business has evolved to include a diverse range of offerings, such as scented soaps, body oils, and plants from her nursery, all crafted using locally sourced, natural ingredients. This commitment not only highlights her artistic talent but also reinforces her dedication to Fiji’s rich natural heritage.

A pivotal moment in Bula’s entrepreneurial journey was her participation in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a program led by the US Embassy in Fiji. This seven-month program, which she began in March 2024, equipped her with essential skills in pricing, marketing, and product valuation. Reflecting on her growth, Bula acknowledged the importance of pricing strategies: “I used to just set prices randomly, not realizing the impact it would have on my business,” she explained. Now, she approaches pricing with a keen understanding of customer satisfaction and market standards.

Bula’s business journey was fueled by her desire to provide for her family. Her hard work has paid off, with two of her daughters now pursuing careers in medicine. Looking to the future, she is optimistic about expanding her product line to meet increasing customer demand and credits the AWE program for empowering her with confidence and skills in financial management and customer service.

Her story serves as an inspiration for women in her community, encouraging them to embark on their own entrepreneurial paths. “Don’t be afraid to start your own business,” she advises. “We don’t need to depend on others; we can provide for ourselves. If you have the drive, go for it.”

Loraini Bula’s journey illustrates the profound impact that education and community support can have, transforming not only individual lives but entire communities. As she continues to grow her enterprise, her message resonates: with hard work and access to the right resources, women can build successful businesses and create meaningful changes in their lives and those around them. This hopeful narrative reinforces the idea that entrepreneurial spirit can bring about not just personal achievement but collective upliftment in the community.