Arieta Navosa, a small business owner, has significantly changed her life by pursuing her passion for handicrafts. At 61 years old, she hails from Namata, Bau Tailevu, and is now married in Suvavou Village. For many years, she devoted herself to babysitting until a friend encouraged her to participate in a business program that led her to register her own venture.
She became involved with the Fiji Arts Council and launched her handicraft business at the FNPF Plaza in Suva, coinciding with her 60th birthday. Arieta creates handmade earrings, necklaces, tie-dye products, and various types of bags, including laptop bags, cosmetic bags, and handbags.
Her weekly earnings fluctuate between $50 and over $200, depending on customer demand, and she also receives additional orders from overseas. Although her income is modest, she manages to pay her $200 monthly rent and provide for her family.
Arieta encourages both the youth and her peers to believe in their potential, make use of their talents, and recognize that it is never too late to begin anew. She attributes her success to her faith in God.