Frances Tabanidalo, at 21 years old, embodies a spirit of resilience that is shaping Fiji’s hospitality scene. The eldest of six, she grew up in Nakelo, Tailevu, with family ties to Daliconi, Vanuabalavu, and Lau, and today works as a waitress and bartender at the Golden Point Resort in Rakiraki. Facing a difficult upbringing with a single parent, she chose optimism and hard work as her path forward.
“Life is full of consequences, but don’t let that break you down. If you still have the ability to work, still have the ability to do something, you do it. If you can wake up, stand up and work, do that,” she said. “So, whatever you go through, don’t use it as an excuse to rebel. Use it to motivate you to do something.”
Her education was interrupted by family issues, but that setback never defined her. “I’ve never really had consistency growing up, especially through primary school, because we had to move a lot, and my mum and dad are separated so there’s a lot of lifestyle I saw as I grew up,” she explained. Still, she credits a mindset that turned hardship into a drive to be better and to break generational curses.
Two years ago, the family relocated to Rakiraki. One of Frances’ aunts was already at the resort and helped set her up. After three days of training, her manager was impressed by her work ethic, and she’s been with Golden Point Resort for a year and seven months, constantly learning on the job. Today she shares the floor with about 20 other staff, whom she regards as family.
“I always tell people this: you just love the job if your boss is good. I love the interaction with different people from around the world. This job is completely different from what I studied; it’s new—learning new things, it’s interesting,” she said.
One of her most memorable moments came from hosting a booking by Australian university students, including karaoke nights and other guest-entertainment efforts. It’s moments like these that keep the energy high, even when dealing with challenging personalities. “Different people have different personalities, and sometimes people come with very unexpected interactions,” she noted. “There are times we try to cater to them, but there are times as well where we just stay back, and if you’re not happy with what we have, there are other places.”
Frances has big dreams for the future that extend beyond her own success. She speaks openly about wanting to give back to her mother, who raised her in tough circumstances. “I was raised by a single mum, and my plan is set on having the opportunity to give back to my mum. It’s going to be hard, and it’s a long journey, but I’m very fixed on it,” she said.
In Frances’ view, front office roles in tourism demand more than technical know-how; they require personality. “It’s all about character, you build on your character and confidence,” she added. “Some people, it naturally comes to them, and some, you have to build on it as you go on.”
As a snapshot of a broader movement, her story sits alongside a growing chorus of Fiji women in hospitality who are balancing work, family, and ambition. Profiles across the industry highlight similar threads of perseverance, mentorship, and the importance of community. For example, Irinieta Naqolo, an Assistant Manager at the Sheraton Fiji Resort & Spa, began as a waitress and rose through leadership, emphasizing leading by example and the joy of empowering others. Other stories capture women pursuing education and international opportunities, underscoring that resilience and support can shape meaningful careers in tourism and hospitality.
Summary: Frances Tabanidalo’s journey from hardship to a hopeful future in Fiji’s hospitality industry reflects a common, powerful theme among young women in the sector—turning personal challenges into professional growth, valuing guest connections, and planning to give back to family.
Editor’s notes and added value:
– This piece can anchor a series on International Women’s Day that spotlights young women in hospitality, pairing Frances with colleagues like Irinieta Naqolo and others who have navigated male-dominated spaces and advanced through mentorship and dedication.
– Potential angles to expand: training pathways for frontline staff, the role of family support in career development, and how Fiji’s resort sector is building resilient, guest-focused teams.
– A brief data point: front-line hospitality workers often cite personality and communication as key success traits; highlighting Frances’ view aligns with broader industry emphasis on soft skills as a differentiator in guest experience.
Optional summary for the sidebar: A 21-year-old Rakiraki waitress and bartender turns hardship into motivation, evolving through shows of resilience, community support, and a clear plan to give back to family, while highlighting the critical role of personality in Fiji’s tourism front lines.
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