World MSME Day was celebrated on June 27th, focusing on the vital role that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises play in fostering innovation, job creation, and sustainability. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Small Business, Big Change.” To explore this theme further, members of the Building at Sunset community shared their motivations for embarking on entrepreneurial journeys and making significant life changes.
Fina Bakani Fisher, the owner of Comfy Stays, runs a short-term rental business with two properties: a two-bedroom accommodation in Laucala Beach Estate priced at $200 per night and a five-bedroom setup in Pacific Harbour at $750 per night. Initially, Fisher started her business to stay home with her children while contributing to family income. Her focus has since shifted toward achieving financial freedom, and she is eager to transition her business from a Facebook presence to a dedicated website.
Sonam Nair, managing director of Total Hygiene Solutions, started her service-based business during the COVID-19 pandemic. She motivated her venture based on commitments from potential clients who valued cleaning services at the time. Operating primarily in the Suva-Nausori corridor, Nair aims to expand her services further. Her personal goals and seeing the success of other women in business inspired her to establish a cleaning company during a critical time for public health and hygiene.
Veniana Ravesi, the founder of Ravesi’s Kinetic Fitness, has a long-standing passion for sports and physical fitness, developed during her high school years. Her personal journey reinforced the value of fitness, not just for physical strength but also for the confidence and resilience it fosters. Ravesi, equipped with over a decade of experience and various certifications, created her fitness space to help others achieve their wellness goals.
Kelera Lomaloma Mataika, the founder of Atelier 153, a sustainable architectural design firm, emphasizes the potential for innovation within the construction industry, utilizing local and indigenous knowledge. Her motivation for establishing the Innovation in Construction Hub stems from her desire to merge various skills in the construction and trade industries to address infrastructure challenges in Fiji.
The contributions of these entrepreneurs highlight how MSMEs are integral to local economies and communities, each embodying the spirit of “Small Business, Big Change.”