Arieta Navosa, a small business owner, has changed her life through her passion for handicrafts. At 61 years old, originally from Namata in Bau Tailevu and now married in Suvavou Village, she dedicated many years to babysitting until a friend encouraged her to join a business program, which led her to register her business.
She became a part of the Fiji Arts Council and launched her handicraft business at the FNPF Plaza in Suva. Notably, her business debut aligned with her 60th birthday.
Arieta creates handmade earrings, necklaces, tie-dye materials, and a variety of bags such as laptop bags, cosmetic bags, and handbags. Depending on customer demand, she earns between $50 and over $200 weekly, with additional orders coming from overseas.
While her income is modest, she manages to pay her $200 monthly rent and support her family. Arieta encourages young people and her peers to have confidence in their abilities, make use of their skills, and remember that it is never too late to begin something new. She also attributes her success to the blessings of God.