Maca Momoivalu launched her business a year ago with just a $50 investment in cassava, which she purchased from a middleman. From humble beginnings, her venture has blossomed into a vital source of hope and income.
Hailing from the village of Raviravi on Matuku Island in Lau, Momoivalu is a well-known vendor on Wailea Street in Vatuwaqa, where she sells a variety of vegetables and fresh coconut juice. A 2020 report by UN Women for the Asia and Pacific region emphasized the critical role that farmers and women vendors, like Momoivalu, play in ensuring food security and supporting local markets.
These roadside stalls are essential to community welfare by providing nutritious food and a stable source of income for the vendors, a reality that resonates deeply with Momoivalu as she utilizes her earnings to support her family.
At 56 years old, Momoivalu acknowledges the numerous challenges she has faced as a new vendor. Juggling the responsibilities of being a mother to six children has tested her resilience, yet her determination drives her to work tirelessly for her family’s well-being.
She recalls, “I started my business in 2023 after buying a $50 bag of cassava. I have not looked back since.” Initially, Momoivalu struggled to turn a profit, but as her business grew, she began to diversify her offerings by adding cabbage and eggplant, expanding her inventory.
With her earnings, she constructed a small canteen selling essential items like sugar, milk, and canned goods. “The stall is built from cardboard and iron that I collected, with a floor made of pallets and an old corrugated iron roof. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to earning a living,” she states.
Momoivalu also faces difficulties from the local credit culture, known as ‘dinau’, which sometimes results in unpaid debts. “The debts can mount up to $100, but I refuse to let it discourage me. I remain thankful that I can still generate income for my family,” she says.
In addition to her food stall, Momoivalu engages in sewing, which supplements her canteen business. She describes her family dynamics, mentioning that three of her children are married, while the other three live with her. One of her sons also contributes by offering haircuts for children, with some of the earnings going towards household expenses.
Looking ahead, Momoivalu aspires to expand her business. “I plan to build an additional room for my son to cut hair,” she shares.
Her advice to young people is to keep the faith: “If you have a plan, put in the effort to achieve your goal with determination. Don’t allow anything or anyone to deter you from your ambitions.”