NUSI Heilala Vaubula, a dynamic 32-year-old entrepreneur, is making significant strides in the real estate sector with her company, Ivale Real Estate. Her journey from working as an employee in the real estate industry to becoming a business owner sheds light on the themes of resilience, hard work, and community empowerment.
With Lauan heritage and growing up in a family where all four siblings have achieved success in their fields, Ms. Vaubula’s story is particularly inspiring. She attributes a considerable portion of her entrepreneurial spirit to her involvement with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a program funded by the US Embassy in Fiji. Despite launching her business during the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she has managed to turn her dreams into reality through this initiative, acquiring essential business management skills and fostering a customer-first mentality.
The name of her firm, Ivale, translates to “at home” in iTaukei, highlighting her deep emotional connection to the work she does. Ms. Vaubula is dedicated to helping clients find their ideal homes, emphasizing the importance of personalized service and building trust, particularly with clients who have previously encountered difficulties with larger, established real estate companies.
“I love seeing the happiness on people’s faces when they find their dream home,” she shares, emphasizing how this joy reinforces her commitment to providing exceptional service. Despite facing competition from long-established firms, her emphasis on understanding each client’s unique needs and financial capabilities has proven crucial in winning their trust.
Beyond individual transactions, Ms. Vaubula is particularly focused on uplifting iTaukei families by encouraging home ownership. Many families have lived in extended households, often renting rather than buying. However, she believes that altering this mindset is essential. “Data shows that 90 percent of iTaukei families can afford to buy a house, yet cultural beliefs influence their decision to rent,” she notes. By demonstrating the value of investing in homeownership, she aims to secure families’ futures and contribute to the economic stability of the wider community.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Vaubula credits the AWE program for providing her with the foundational knowledge to transform her aspirations into tangible achievements. “Before AWE, I had the dream, but I lacked the knowledge. It taught me about business management and customer communication, which were game-changers for me,” she elaborates.
As she continues to develop Ivale Real Estate, Ms. Vaubula encourages other women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. “If you have an idea, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just go for it,” she advises. Her narrative is a testament to the transformative potential of entrepreneurship, showcasing how with determination, resilience, and community support, dreams can manifest into reality.
In essence, NUSI Heilala Vaubula is reshaping the Fijian real estate landscape while empowering future generations of women entrepreneurs. Her journey reflects a broader message of hope and possibility, inspiring individuals to take control of their aspirations and create lasting changes in their lives and communities.
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