For Miriama Baleinabau, each parcel she sells embodies a narrative of hard work, dedication, and resilience. Operating her small food stall, she has crafted a life characterized not by riches but by purpose and effort. The Rakiraki native emphasizes that her food business is not merely a source of income but a vital contribution to her family’s well-being.
Miriama, who is joyfully married and a mother of seven, has extended her family’s legacy with ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Faced with the responsibility of supporting her family while her children are in primary school, she sought ways to contribute financially. This led to her venture at Bishop Kempthorne Memorial School in Newtown, Nasinu, where she began selling a variety of food items.
Initially focusing on roti, bhajia, and fish and tapioca parcels, Miriama later expanded her business to a stall at the Valelevu market. After six years of selling juice and roti, she gained enough inspiration and creativity to diversify her offerings to include a wider array of traditional Fijian dishes.
Miriama sources her ingredients from various regions across Fiji, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality produce necessary for her culinary creations. For instance, her kaikoso is procured from Nakalawaca Village in Namara, while sea grapes (nama) and seaweed (lumi) are sourced from Ra; her stock of tapioca is obtained from the Valelevu market.
Each day, Miriama faces the demanding task of preparing her food parcels to be attractive and ready on time for her customers. Her eldest daughter assists her in cooking, and together, they rise before dawn, at 4 am, to begin their preparations. This early start involves boiling and cleaning tempting kaikoso and nama served in thick coconut cream, alongside skinning and slicing fresh fish for kokoda, a marinated fish delicacy garnished with tomatoes, onions, and spring onions.
By 8 am, their food parcels are prepared and awaiting transport to the market, ready to delight her regular customers. Miriama’s relentless spirit and unwavering positivity not only inspire her family but also highlight the fruitfulness of hard work and perseverance. Her journey illustrates how a simple trade can evolve into a significant source of income, proving that success is grounded in passion, patience, and purpose. Through her determination, Miriama showcases the profound impact that dedication can have on one’s family and community.
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