A 58-year-old entrepreneur from Nasolo in Ba, Loraini Bula, exemplifies the transformative power of determination, cultural pride, and support in her entrepreneurial journey. A devoted mother to five grown daughters, Ms. Bula has successfully blended her roles in family and business through her venture, Loraini’s Creations.

Specializing in hand-printed sarongs that reflect Fijian and Pacific Island cultures, Loraini’s Creations has expanded to include a variety of value-added products such as scented soaps, body oils, and a nursery offering diverse plants and flowers. Ms. Bula’s commitment to using locally-sourced, natural ingredients not only showcases her artistic talent but also highlights her dedication to preserving Fiji’s rich natural heritage.

A pivotal moment in her journey was joining the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a program facilitated by the US Embassy in Fiji, which she began in March of this year. This seven-month program provided her with invaluable skills in pricing and marketing, allowing her to accurately value her products for the first time. Instead of haphazardly setting prices, she now understands the importance of aligning her pricing with customer satisfaction and market standards.

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial path, Ms. Bula takes pride in her initial days of hand-printing sarongs to support her family. Her hard work has paid off, as two of her daughters have pursued careers in medicine, becoming doctors—a testament to her sacrifices.

With plans to further expand her product line to keep pace with customer demand, Ms. Bula expresses optimism for the future. She credits the AWE program for boosting her confidence and helping her master the complexities of business management, from finances to customer service.

Ms. Bula’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for other women in her community, encouraging them to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys. “Don’t be afraid to start your own business,” she advises. “We don’t need to depend on others; we can provide for ourselves. If you have the drive, go for it.”

Her inspiring journey illustrates how education, determination, and community support can create not just thriving businesses but also uplift entire communities. As she continues to develop her enterprise, Ms. Bula’s narrative reinforces the idea that with the right resources and hard work, women can indeed create meaningful impacts in their lives and those around them.