Roneel Ritesh Ram, a 36-year-old entrepreneur, is carving out a successful life for himself and his family in the bakery industry. His journey began two years ago when he decided to pursue his long-held dream of owning a bakery, which he views as a way to secure a brighter future for his children. The inspiration for this venture stems from a personal loss; he lost his mother when he was just five years old.
Originally from Navovo, Nadroga, Mr. Ram operates La Panaderia & Café, located in the Field 40 Subdivision of Lautoka. His path to entrepreneurship started in 2008 when he learned the trade as an apprentice at Lums Hot Bread in Sigatoka. Over the years, he honed his skills at several bakeries, including Deans Tabraki in Nausori and New World IGA Lautoka, among others.
Mr. Ram expressed his desire to build his own business rather than continue working for others. His bakery also holds sentimental value as it was established as a birthday gift for his daughter, reflecting his commitment to ensuring that his children do not experience the same hardships he faced during his formative years. The initial investment of $25,000 to launch the bakery came from his savings accumulated from previous employment.
Currently, Mr. Ram runs the bakery with the help of his family, without any additional employees. However, his path has not been without challenges. He faced adversity when his shop was robbed, compounded by difficulties arising from his status as a newcomer to the area. Nevertheless, he remains resilient and dedicated. Outside of his business, Mr. Ram is a passionate supporter of local football.
Having attended Naidovi Primary School and later Cuvu College, Ram married Arishma Prasad in 2017, and together they are raising two children. He emphasizes the importance of hard work in achieving success, standing as a testament to what dedication can accomplish.
As Mr. Ram continues to pursue his dreams, his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that perseverance and hard work can lead to fulfilling one’s aspirations, regardless of the setbacks encountered along the way.
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