Payal Prasad is thriving as an entrepreneur, reveling in the independence of being her own boss. Despite holding a bachelor’s degree in commerce, majoring in accounting and economics, she chose to steer her destiny in a different direction by starting her own business.
At just 25 years old, Prasad operates a kava business from the Suva market, launched in August 2021. The decision to venture into entrepreneurship came during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when her family faced significant financial challenges.
“Like many families impacted by COVID-19, mine struggled financially,” Prasad shared. “Finding a job was difficult during those tough times,” she added, recalling a pivotal moment when her mother suggested starting her own business.
Although both of her parents have passed away, Prasad has persevered with support from her brother, who also runs a kava business in Labasa, assisting her in sourcing supplies from Savusavu, Labasa, and Taveuni.
She has cultivated a mix of fixed and casual customers, utilizing social media as a tool for marketing and increasing sales. Prasad expressed her satisfaction with being her own boss, realizing it was a long-held dream that offers her the freedom to operate her business on her own terms.
“I no longer wish to work anywhere else. I take pride in my business; it grants me the autonomy to close my shop and travel whenever I desire without restrictions,” she stated.
While acknowledging the challenges of running a business, Prasad has successfully navigated them by making informed decisions. She recognizes the fierce competition in the kava market, which is populated by numerous vendors.
“To stand out, I focus on offering the best prices and quality. By establishing a strong customer base, I can compete with vendors who have been in the business longer than I have,” she noted.
Prasad is actively building connections and attracting patrons, maintaining solid relationships with her customers while leveraging social media to enhance her product visibility.
She encourages young individuals facing employment challenges after graduation to remain determined. “It was challenging for me to secure a good job right after graduating. I advise starting a small business with family support and transitioning to a corporate role once a suitable job opportunity arises,” she suggested.
Prasad remains optimistic about the future of her business and feels confident that she won’t need to seek employment elsewhere.