Maca Momoivalu launched her business one year ago with an initial investment of $50 for a bag of cassava. With ambitions in hand, she has watched her venture flourish into a vital source of hope and income for her family.
Hailing from the village of Raviravi in Matuku, Lau, Momoivalu is often seen on Wailea Street, Vatuwaqa, where she offers a selection of vegetables and fresh coconut juice. A report released by UN Women in 2020 highlights the importance of farmers and female vendors like Momoivalu in ensuring food security and bolstering local markets.
According to the report, roadside stalls play a crucial role in communities by supplying food for households and serving as a significant revenue stream for vendors. Momoivalu embodies this reality, utilizing her earnings to support her family.
At 56 years old, she acknowledges that although she is a new vendor, the path to her current success has been fraught with challenges. As a mother of six, she faces numerous difficulties but remains resolute in her efforts to provide for her loved ones.
“My business started in 2023 when I purchased a $50 bag of cassava from a middleman. Since then, I have never looked back,” Momoivalu shared. “Initially, I struggled to make a profit, but once I began to earn, I started investing in different food items like cabbage and eggplant, which helped my business grow.”
With her earnings, she built a small canteen that sells basic necessities such as sugar, milk, and canned goods. “The stall is constructed from cardboard and iron that I collected or received from friends and family. My floor is made of pallets, and my roof primarily consists of old corrugated iron sheets. However, these limitations have not deterred my determination to earn.”
Momoivalu also navigates challenges related to the local practice of ‘dinau’ (credit). “Sometimes ‘dinau’ can reach up to $100, and some individuals fail to repay,” she explained. “Nonetheless, this does not shake my confidence in myself or my business. I am thankful to still be able to provide for my family.”
In addition to her food vending, Momoivalu has ventured into sewing, which complements her canteen. “Three of my children are married, while the others live with me. One of my children cuts hair. My son occasionally helps me with his hair-cutting services for children. Some of the income goes towards paying for electricity and other essentials.”
Looking ahead, Momoivalu plans to expand her business, with aspirations to construct an additional room for her son to continue his hair-cutting work. Her advice to young people is to “have faith.”
“If you have a plan, do everything in your power to achieve that goal with perseverance and belief. Do not allow anything or anyone to deter you from realizing your dreams.”