Roneel Ritesh Ram, a 36-year-old entrepreneur, is realizing his dream in the bakery industry. After starting his journey just two years ago, he remains focused on building a successful future for his children. The inspiration for his business came from a deeply personal loss; he lost his mother when he was just five years old.
Hailing from Navovo, Nadroga, Ram runs La Panaderia & Cafe, located in the Field 40 Subdivision of Lautoka. He kickstarted his baking career as an apprentice at Lums Hot Bread in Sigatoka back in 2008 and has gained valuable experience working at several other bakeries including Deans Tabraki, Bread Box, Bake Rite, Wananavu Bakery, and New World IGA Lautoka.
Reflecting on his aspirations, Mr. Ram shared, “I had this dream for a long time: to have my own business rather than work for someone else,” explaining that he established the bakery as a birthday gift for his daughter, hoping to shield his children from the hardships he faced during his youth.
With an investment of $25,000 funded by his savings, Ram has chosen to operate the business as a family venture, currently without any additional employees.
However, the path hasn’t been entirely smooth. He faced challenges, including a robbery at his shop and difficulties with some troublemakers new to the area. Still, Mr. Ram remains committed not only to his business but also to supporting local football clubs whenever possible.
A graduate of Naidovi Primary School and Cuvu College, Mr. Ram married Arishma Prasad in 2017 and they have two children together. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, stating that there is “no replacement for hard work.”
This story highlights the resilience and dedication of individuals pursuing their dreams while fostering a supportive environment for their families. Roneel Ritesh Ram’s journey is an inspiring reminder of how personal experiences can motivate entrepreneurial spirit and community involvement.
In summary, Roneel Ram, driven by past hardships and a desire for a better life for his family, has embarked on a promising journey in the bakery business, overcoming challenges and remaining optimistic about the future.
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