Payal Prasad takes pride in being her own boss. Despite having a degree in commerce with a focus on accounting and economics that could secure her an office position, the 25-year-old prefers embracing entrepreneurship.
She operates a burgeoning kava business from the Suva market, known as Prasad’s Quality Kava, which she launched in August 2021 as a way to navigate the financial challenges posed by the pandemic. Residing on Khalsa Road in Tacirua, Ms. Prasad embarked on this venture after her family faced severe financial difficulties due to COVID-19.
“Finding a job during those tough times was quite challenging,” Ms. Prasad recalled. “One day, while brainstorming with my family, my mother suggested that I start my own business.”
Despite losing both of her parents, Ms. Prasad continues to move forward, receiving support from her brother, who also operates a kava business in Labasa and assists her in procuring supplies from locations like Savusavu, Labasa, and Taveuni.
Ms. Prasad has both regular and occasional customers, and she capitalizes on social media to promote her products and enhance sales. The freedom of being her own boss fulfills a lifelong dream, allowing her the flexibility to run her business as she sees fit.
“I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else,” she expressed. “My business gives me the ability to choose my own schedule; I can close it and travel whenever I want.”
Although acknowledging that business comes with its share of challenges, she has managed to stay afloat by making prudent decisions. The market, filled with numerous kava vendors, requires her to differentiate her offerings through quality and competitive pricing.
By building a loyal customer base, she is successfully competing against long-established vendors. She actively fosters relationships with clients and utilizes social media for marketing purposes.
Ms. Prasad encourages young graduates to persevere, even if immediate employment seems elusive. She shares her experience: “After graduation, finding a suitable job was tough. However, starting a small business with family support can lead to opportunities in the future.”
She remains optimistic about her business’s trajectory and sees no need to seek employment elsewhere. Her journey exemplifies how determination and entrepreneurial spirit can turn challenges into opportunities.