Fijian Floral Entrepreneur Blooms with Handcrafted Accessories

Lusiana Dansey, a 51-year-old entrepreneur from Rewa with roots in Kadavu, is currently thriving in her new venture—an innovative flower business. In just a few months, she has uncovered her passion for selling floral plants but recognized the need to differentiate herself in a crowded market.

To make her mark, Ms. Dansey tapped into her artistic side by crafting floral accessories such as flower tekiteki (hairpieces), leis, and decorated hair clips. She expressed, “These unique creations allowed me to combine my love for flowers with artistry, attracting customers who appreciate my originality and craftsmanship.”

While she initially started her journey with plant sales, her experience in the tourism industry in Nadi, where floral accessories were popular, inspired her to delve deeper into floral adornments. Her venture began to gain traction as she showcased her creations at local markets, leading to the development of additional products like floral side combs.

Ms. Dansey aims to cater to a diverse range of customers, particularly students from across the South Pacific, who often adorn themselves with traditional floral pieces. To capture this audience, she participates actively in the ROC Market at the University of the South Pacific (USP), where her products have resonated well with students.

Despite facing challenges such as fierce competition—especially at the FNPF Plaza in Suva—and limited local options for sourcing unique materials, Ms. Dansey is determined to grow her business. She is exploring international suppliers to find distinctive hair clips and flower slides, enhancing her ability to offer exclusive products.

Looking ahead, Ms. Dansey intends to expand her presence into venues like the Damodar Night Market to reach an even broader audience. Her commitment to her craft reflects more than just business; it is a celebration of culture and creativity that she hopes will brighten the lives of those around her. With an optimistic outlook, she affirms, “I will continue to bloom—one flower at a time.”