A woman named Iowana Salusalu has been successfully running her handcrafted business, Wananavu Earrings, which she established in 2019. Operating from Qelekuro, Tailevu, she manages her business alongside her six children, focusing on creating beautiful jewelry utilizing items like traditional masi (barkcloth).
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Salusalu remains optimistic and continues her work primarily at local hotels, including Shangri-La, for the past 20 years. She noted that after the pandemic hit, she initially considered starting a business from home, and now she is witnessing the fruits of her labor.
Her dedication to her craft has borne fruit, as she claims that if she can earn $2 daily from her sales, that would be significant over a week’s time. Salusalu’s products range from earrings to necklaces, with prices starting from $2, $4, and upwards, depending on the complexity and materials used in her creations.
Currently, Salusalu is also encouraging women in her community, particularly from the villages around Tailevu, to seek training and get involved in similar small business ventures, urging them to learn how to create handmade products. Her approach focuses on sustainability and self-reliance, helping to uplift her community by promoting entrepreneurship.
As she expands her business, Salusalu emphasizes the importance of creativity in pursuing any venture, believing that consistent effort and perseverance are key to achieving success.