A 58-year-old entrepreneur from Nasolo in Ba, Loraini Bula, exemplifies the transformative power of determination, cultural pride, and community support. As a mother of five grown daughters, Bula has expertly balanced her family commitments with the demands of her business, Loraini’s Creations, which focuses on hand-printed sarongs that celebrate Fijian and Pacific Island cultures.

In addition to these vibrant garments, Loraini’s Creations has diversified its offerings to include fragrant soaps, body oils, and a variety of plants and flowers from her nursery. This commitment to using locally-sourced, natural ingredients not only showcases her creativity but also emphasizes her dedication to preserving Fiji’s rich natural heritage.

A pivotal moment in Bula’s entrepreneurial journey occurred when she participated in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a program hosted by the US Embassy in Fiji. This seven-month program, which she began in March this year, supplied her with essential knowledge on pricing, marketing, and understanding the true value of her products—skills she found lacking before. She stated, “I used to just set prices randomly, not realizing the impact it would have on my business. Now I understand the importance of pricing, customer satisfaction, and meeting market standards.”

Looking back, Bula takes pride in the sacrifices she made to provide for her family, highlighting the success of two of her daughters who are now doctors as a testament to her years of hard work. With plans to expand her product line in response to growing customer demands, Bula remains optimistic about the future of her enterprise. She attributes her newfound confidence and skills to the AWE program, feeling empowered to tackle the complexities of running her business more effectively.

Her journey stands as an inspiring example for other women in her community, as she encourages them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. “Don’t be afraid to start your own business,” Bula 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 story illustrates the incredible impact of education, resilience, and community support in transforming not only businesses but entire communities. As she continues to thrive in her craft, her message underscores that with commitment and access to the right resources, women can create impactful enterprises and uplift those around them, fostering a hopeful narrative for aspiring entrepreneurs in her region.