After two decades in the tourism sector, Meli Rokotakala found his true passion during a global crisis. In 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he was compelled to leave his job in Nadi and return to his hometown of Nabalebale Village in Cakaudrove. During this uncertain time, Meli reflected on his talents and discovered a deep appreciation for horticulture while enjoying his backyard garden.
This newfound passion for flowers led him to craft decorative arrangements for homes, which eventually evolved into a full-scale business. Drawing from his previous experience with South Sea Cruises, Fiji Club, and Tuitai Adventure Cruises, Meli established Meli’s Artfeast Investment.
Since launching his business, Meli has gained recognition as a prominent event decorator in Savusavu and Labasa, skillfully enhancing a range of events including birthdays, weddings, funerals, corporate gatherings, and religious ceremonies. His perfectionist nature drives him to handpick flowers from his garden, ensuring each arrangement showcases his flair for color and design. His entrepreneurial journey also included opening a savings account with the BSP branch in Savusavu, marking a key step toward achieving financial independence.
Meli eagerly took part in a three-day workshop organized by BSP in collaboration with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) under the THRIVE programme, which stands for “Together, Helping to build a Resilient, Inclusive, and Vibrant Economy.” The program aims to equip entrepreneurs with the skills necessary for effective business management. Recognizing the significance of running a business efficiently, Meli understood that success hinges not only on passion but also on knowing how to manage profits and losses.
“Not everyone is destined for blue- or white-collar jobs,” Meli reflected, emphasizing that some individuals have the potential to thrive as entrepreneurs and deserve supportive pathways to success. As the eldest of four siblings and an alumnus of Savusavu Secondary School, he underscored the importance of finding joy in one’s work.
“Many individuals remain in jobs they dislike for the sake of their families. It’s important to discover what truly makes you happy and pursue it,” Meli remarked. Meli expressed profound gratitude to BSP and ABV for the opportunity to attend the transformative workshop in Labasa, encouraging young people to seek out their unique talents and contribute positively to their communities.
The Fiji THRIVE programme originated as the “Your Enterprise Scheme” (YES) at BSP headquarters in Papua New Guinea in 2019. In partnership with ABV, the initiative was crafted to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in PNG by offering vital knowledge and resources. BSP Fiji adopted and customized the programme for its local market, renaming it THRIVE to reflect its dedication to fostering a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant economy.