Former St Joseph’s Secondary School teacher Savita Devi, 48, has made a remarkable leap into entrepreneurship, proving that age does not hinder one’s aspirations. Recently awarded a $5,000 grant, she plans to launch her tailoring business, addressing a significant gap in her community.
Residing in Nakasi, Nasinu, Ms. Devi is among 21 graduates who received funding through the Graduate Business Start-Up Grant Scheme at a ceremony held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. Having previously taught at various schools, including Assembly of God and Nabua Secondary, she identified a pressing need for tailors in her locality. “We found that there is a lack of tailors in certain areas, especially the place where I live,” Ms. Devi highlighted.
Her innovative venture, named Mimshack Investment, aims to establish a collective tailor hub where seamstresses can share customers, especially during busy periods. “I want to create a hub where tailors can connect, and if one tailor is overwhelmed with clients, they can refer them to another tailor,” she explained. The business model embraces an online platform to facilitate these referrals, ensuring that busy tailors are able to meet customer demands while earning commission incentives.
The grant will assist Ms. Devi in purchasing essential equipment such as overlock machines, providing a robust foundation for her business. Her journey has been further enriched by transformative training through the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service and the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation. “For years, I have been trying to learn how to manage a business. This opportunity was invaluable,” she noted.
As a mother of two, including a daughter with special needs, Ms. Devi’s ambitions extend beyond personal achievement. “I want to establish a business so that she can also run it in the future,” she stated.
Ms. Devi’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, is clear: “Age is not a barrier. Anytime you feel ready, pursue your business aspirations.”
This uplifting story aligns with the narratives of other successful women in Fiji, such as Nitika Devi and Fulori Waqasaqa, who have pursued entrepreneurial paths amidst challenges. Their experiences reinforce the potential for resilience, support, and creativity in fostering thriving local businesses. These stories serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement for individuals aspiring to turn their ideas into successful ventures, illustrating that determination and innovation can lead to impactful change in the community.
Hope remains vibrant in the air as more women leverage grants and support systems to fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams, creating networks of collaboration that benefit both their businesses and the families they support.
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