NUSI Heilala Vaubula, a 32-year-old entrepreneur, is making notable strides in the real estate sector with her business, Ivale Real Estate. Her inspiring journey from being an employee in real estate to becoming a business owner exemplifies the resilience and hard work that can lead to success.
With roots in Lauan heritage, Ms. Vaubula is the eldest of four siblings, all of whom have achieved success in their respective fields. She attributes much of her entrepreneurial spirit to the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a program funded by the US Embassy in Fiji that has supported her journey since she enrolled in 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was through AWE that she transformed her dream into reality, gaining valuable skills in business management and customer communication.
Her business name, Ivale, translates to “at home” in iTaukei, reflecting her passion for helping clients find their dream homes. Emphasizing personalized service, Ms. Vaubula takes the time to understand her clients’ unique needs and financial situations, which is crucial in a competitive market dominated by well-established firms. This client-centric approach is essential for building trust, particularly as many of her clients have dealt with negative experiences in the past.
“Seeing the joy on clients’ faces when they find their dream home is the ultimate confirmation that the hard work has paid off,” Ms. Vaubula remarked. Despite the challenges of operating in a competitive industry, she remains dedicated to her mission of helping the iTaukei community transition from renting to homeownership. She observes that many iTaukei families, often accustomed to extended family living, may not recognize homeownership as a viable option. Her goal is to shift this mindset, demonstrating that the money spent on rent could instead invest in something they can call their own.
Reflecting on the influence of the AWE program, Ms. Vaubula noted, “Before AWE, I had the dream, but lacked the knowledge to turn it into reality. The program taught me about patience and perseverance, that it’s about taking things one step at a time.”
As she continues to build Ivale Real Estate, Ms. Vaubula is not only reshaping the real estate landscape in Fiji but also paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs. She encourages others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams without waiting for the perfect moment: “If you have an idea, just go for it. Join AWE if you can; it will help you bring your business to life.”
With her unwavering commitment to her clients and community, Ms. Vaubula serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing that with determination and the right resources, dreams can indeed become reality. Her journey highlights the transformative potential of education and community support in fostering successful business ventures and empowering individuals to secure better futures for themselves and their families.
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