Mere Yabakivou, hailing from Nairukuruku Village, has successfully transformed her passion for beekeeping into a flourishing business known as Yabakivou Liquid Gold. After gaining experience in public health and aviation security, Mere dedicated herself entirely to bee farming during the COVID-19 pandemic, a move that would change her life.
During this challenging period, she took leave from her previous roles and decided to focus on beekeeping full-time. Since beginning her beekeeping journey in 2012, Mere faced hurdles such as equipment shortages, but she creatively found solutions and received valuable support from the Agriculture office in Tavua.
Mere finds beekeeping advantageous as the bees require minimal feeding and water supply. This allows her to monitor their health effectively. What began as a family endeavor evolved into a business, with increasing demand and prices for her honey products. She proudly shares, “We enjoyed honey at home, and it reduced our sugar intake. Now, I sell 500ml bottles of honey for $13 and 1kg for $20.”
In 2023, Mere took the significant step of registering her business and expanded her offerings to include beeswax products. With the guidance of the Fiji Beekeepers Association and the Agriculture Ministry, her tenacity and ingenuity have inspired others to pursue their dreams.
Mere’s message is clear: “Don’t look back or let challenges discourage you; trust in God to help you achieve your goals.” Her journey stands as a testament to the power of following one’s passion, even in the face of adversity, showcasing that dedication can lead to remarkable success.
This story highlights the positive outcomes of pursuing one’s interests and how challenges can become stepping stones to a brighter future.
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