On a daily basis, the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread and buns draws residents from Nadarivatu, Dramasi, Savatu, Rewasau, and Lewa to a family shop on the outskirts of Tavua. This shop is owned by Zahera Gulnaaz, a 38-year-old single mother of three from Ba, who supplies bread to some of Fiji’s most remote communities.
Zahera’s journey began a few years ago when she made the life-changing decision to move to Dramasi, Tavua, and start anew after working as a teacher for nine years. Making a leap into entrepreneurship in 2022, she rented a small shop in Momi, Nadroga. Zahera describes her daily routine as one filled with hard work, yet it is driven by her dedication to providing for her family.
Under her guidance, the shop has evolved into a bakery that serves hundreds of families. Each day, Zahera begins her baking at 2:30 am, preparing 30 to 40 dozen loaves of bread and 20 dozen buns, ensuring that those from the highlands of Nadarivatu have fresh bread to take back after a busy day at the market. Her son, a university student, assists with running the business and refining their unique bread recipe, which has set their product apart from others in Tavua.
Zahera highlights the importance of community in her success, stating, “We take orders for Lewa school in Nadarivatu,” in recognition of the support she receives from local institutions. The demand for her baked goods has transformed the business landscape; previously reliant on the canecutting season, the shop now thrives year-round due to its baking operations.
Zahera is ambitious for the future, hoping to expand her bakery into a separate facility that allows for greater production and the introduction of various pastries. She cherishes her role as a provider and aims to inspire other women to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations. “I want women to step into the unknown and accomplish the goals they set in life,” Zahera expressed.
Her story is reflective of a growing trend in Fiji where women are increasingly making strides in entrepreneurship, similarly to other local women like Adi Nanise Rokovatu, who also runs a successful baking business focusing on community needs. Such accounts of resilience and dedication to family not only inspire others but highlight the potential for small businesses to significantly impact local economies and drive community development.
Zahera’s commitment to her family and her community exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship, showcasing how passion and hard work can lead to substantial personal and communal growth. As she continues her journey, there is much hope and excitement for what the future holds for her business and her aspirations to serve the growing needs of her customers.
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