After two decades in the tourism sector, Meli Rokotakala discovered his true passion amidst global turmoil. In 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, Meli was compelled to leave his job in Nadi and return to his home in Nabalebale Village, Cakaudrove. This period of uncertainty prompted him to reflect on his talents and passion.
While relaxing in his backyard garden, Meli became captivated by the vibrant beauty of flowers. This newfound interest in horticulture inspired him to start creating decorations for homes, a hobby that quickly transformed into a thriving business. Drawing from his experiences with South Sea Cruises, Fiji Club, and Tuitai Adventure Cruises, Meli founded his own venture, Meli’s Artfeast Investment.
Since its inception, Meli has gained a reputation as a sought-after event decorator in Savusavu and Labasa, enhancing various occasions such as birthdays, weddings, funerals, corporate events, and religious gatherings. A detail-oriented individual, Meli carefully selects flowers from his garden, ensuring each arrangement showcases his aesthetic sensibility.
His entrepreneurial path also led him to open a savings account with the BSP branch in Savusavu, marking a significant move toward financial independence.
Meli eagerly participated in a three-day workshop organized by BSP in partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) under the THRIVE program, which aims to equip entrepreneurs with essential business management skills. Meli understood that running a successful business requires more than passion; it necessitates an understanding of profit and loss.
“Not everyone is meant for traditional jobs,” Meli noted. “Some young individuals have the potential to thrive as entrepreneurs, and they need adequate support to flourish.”
As the eldest of four siblings and a former Savusavu Secondary School student, Meli advocates for pursuing work that brings happiness. “Many people remain in unsatisfying jobs for the sake of their families. It’s essential to identify what truly makes you happy and chase that,” he emphasized.
Meli expressed his gratitude to BSP and ABV for the transformative workshop experience in Labasa. He urges the younger generation to explore their unique talents and to focus on contributing to their communities rather than following conventional paths.
The Fiji THRIVE programme, which evolved from the “Your Enterprise Scheme” initiated by BSP in Papua New Guinea in 2019, aims to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing crucial knowledge, resources, and skills. BSP Fiji tailored the program for the local market, renaming it THRIVE to underscore its commitment to fostering a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant economy.