NUSI Heilala Vaubula, a 32-year-old entrepreneur, is making significant strides in the real estate sector through her business, Ivale Real Estate. Her remarkable journey from being an employee in the industry to a business owner represents not only her personal development but also a broader narrative of empowerment for women in entrepreneurship.

With roots tracing back to Tubou in Lakeba, Ms. Vaubula is the eldest of four siblings. Her journey to creating her firm was greatly influenced by her involvement with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a program supported by the US Embassy in Fiji. Despite starting her entrepreneurial path amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Ms. Vaubula harnessed this experience to bring her vision to life.

The unique name of her business, ‘Ivale’, meaning ‘at home’ in iTaukei, reflects her passion for helping clients find joy in their dream homes. Ms. Vaubula emphasizes the importance of building trust with her clients, especially as many have had negative experiences with larger, established firms. She believes that providing personalized service—taking the time to understand each client’s desires and financial capabilities—is crucial in fostering strong relationships and successful transactions.

Facing the competitive landscape of real estate, Ms. Vaubula turned potential setbacks into opportunities by focusing on superior customer service and leveraging her industry knowledge gained through years of experience. “Trust is crucial, and as a small business, it’s tough to overcome that barrier, but excellent service helps bridge that gap,” she pointed out.

Moreover, her mission goes beyond simply closing deals; it includes uplifting her community by transitioning iTaukei families from renting to owning homes. She observes that a significant portion of iTaukei people can afford to buy homes, yet cultural beliefs around extended family living often deter them from making this investment. By changing perspectives and promoting homeownership, Ms. Vaubula contributes to both family stability and community economic growth.

Reflecting on the AWE program’s impact, Ms. Vaubula stated, “Before AWE, I had the dream but lacked the knowledge to turn it into reality.” Equipped now with business management skills and the understanding that persistence pays off, she inspires others to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.

In addition to drawing strength from her heritage and family, Ms. Vaubula encourages women to take charge of their aspirations. “If you have an idea, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just go for it,” she advises. Her story stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing how dedication and the right resources can empower women to forge successful paths in their careers.

In summary, NUSI Heilala Vaubula is not only reshaping the real estate landscape in Fiji but is also paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs, proving that with hard work and resilience, dreams can indeed become reality.