NUSI Heilala Vaubula, a 32-year-old entrepreneur, is making significant progress in the real estate sector through her company, Ivale Real Estate. Her remarkable transformation from an employee to a business owner highlights an inspiring story of hard work, resilience, and community impact.
Ms. Vaubula, who hails from Lauan heritage and is the eldest among four siblings, attributes her entrepreneurial success to the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). This initiative, supported by the US Embassy in Fiji and executed in collaboration with the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council and Makoi Women’s Vocational Centre, played an essential role in shaping her journey. Although she began her entrepreneurial pursuit during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Ms. Vaubula leveraged this experience to establish her vision for a real estate business.
Her firm, Ivale—meaning “at home” in iTaukei—reflects her deep emotional connection to helping clients find their dream homes. Ms. Vaubula emphasizes that her strategy is grounded in offering personalized service and understanding each client’s unique needs and financial capabilities. This approach is crucial in building trust, especially when competing against established firms with extensive histories in the market.
Despite facing various challenges, including skepticism from clients who have had negative experiences with larger firms, Ms. Vaubula has remained committed to providing exceptional customer service. “The joy of seeing clients happy when they find their dream home is what drives me,” she said, emphasizing that her work is about contributing to their happiness rather than just selling houses.
Importantly, Ms. Vaubula aims to change the mindset of her community—encouraging iTaukei families to transition from renting to homeownership. With data indicating that 90 percent of iTaukei people can afford to purchase a home, she highlights the cultural beliefs surrounding extended families that often discourage this path. By advocating the benefits of owning a home, she is not only assisting individual families but also fostering economic stability within iTaukei communities.
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial growth influenced by the AWE program, Ms. Vaubula states, “Before AWE, I had the dream but lacked the knowledge to turn it into reality.” Through this program, she gained insights into business management and the importance of patience and perseverance in her industry.
As Ms. Vaubula flourishes with Ivale Real Estate, she inspires other women to pursue their dreams. “If you have an idea, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just go for it,” she encourages. With her dedication to customer satisfaction and community empowerment, Ms. Vaubula is reshaping the real estate landscape in Fiji and creating a legacy that will inspire future generations of women entrepreneurs.
In summary, NUSI Heilala Vaubula not only exemplifies what it means to follow one’s entrepreneurial dreams but emphasizes the role of community-focused initiatives in fostering future successes. Her journey is a beacon of hope, illustrating that with determination and the right support, significant change is achievable.
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