Businessman Taniela Rararua advocates that academic qualifications are not the only route to success. Sharing his message of empowerment, he reaches out to high school dropouts and youth struggling to find their footing in society. Taniela emphasizes that everyone is endowed with unique skills and talents, and through self-discipline, individuals can harness these gifts for personal growth and to support others.
Originating from Rakiraki in Kadavu, Taniela is a successful self-made entrepreneur specializing in coffin design and manufacturing, based in Rewa along the bustling Queen’s Highway. His path to success was not without challenges. Coming from a single-parent household, he faced numerous difficulties, especially after his father left the family. The loss compelled him to leave high school prior to his external examinations to support his unemployed mother.
Against the odds, Taniela found an opportunity at Montfort Boys Town, a vocational training institute run by the Catholic Church. There, he learned valuable life skills, including time management and self-discipline, which have been instrumental throughout his career. After graduating, he married and worked at a furniture company before joining Fiji Corrections Service, where he eventually oversaw a carpentry program for inmates.
While working in corrections, Taniela began contemplating a coffin manufacturing business, inspired by an entrepreneurship course. After a decade in corrections, he transitioned to the private sector as a security guard while gradually preparing to launch his own business. Initially crafting funeral caskets by hand without electrical tools, he reinvested earnings into acquiring necessary equipment as his client base expanded.
Taniela’s decision to enter the coffin manufacturing industry was rooted in its ongoing demand, reflecting on life’s cycles—birth and death. He aims to provide quality caskets and reliable transport services at fair prices to support families during their times of grief.
Today, he is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a mentor to his children, sharing his knowledge and skills. One of his sons is studying engineering and actively participates in the family business. Taniela has also invested in funeral hearses to meet customer needs and plans to open a shop in Suva soon.
With a strong faith, Taniela encourages the youth to discover their passion and purpose in life, emphasizing the importance of placing God at the center of their endeavors. He believes that genuine service during difficult times—like planning funerals—requires a personal touch, as everyone ultimately experiences loss.
This inspiring story highlights resilience and the belief that there are many paths to success, encouraging individuals to embrace their unique talents and remain hopeful. Taniela’s journey serves as a reminder that challenges can be transformed into opportunities through perseverance and faith.
Leave a comment