Curiosity and determination have been the driving forces for Tarusila Mei, a 40-year-old market vendor with over a decade of experience. These guiding principles have not only imparted valuable life lessons but have also revealed a new talent within her.
Ms. Mei has taken her time to learn the craft of making salusalu, one of Fiji’s cherished accessories. Her journey began in 2018 when she became intrigued while watching her friends create vibrant and artistic pieces.
“My salusalu business started around 2018,” she shared. “I would sit and watch other women make salusalu for sale. Their encouragement led me to believe that I could do it too. They told me that all I needed was the willingness to try, and that marked the start of my journey. Although it’s time-consuming, it’s genuinely a fun experience.”
The first salusalu she crafted was for her children’s graduation day, making the occasion even more special as they donned the creations she had made with care. “My second daughter was in Class 7 and received a progressive prize, while my other child, in Class 3, came first in her class. This was a joyful time for me, fueling my passion to create more.”
Since then, Ms. Mei has received excellent feedback from the public, motivating her to design well-crafted pieces that cater to her customers’ needs. She successfully manages two businesses, a testament to her hard work and resilience, including a vegetable stall established by her mother-in-law years ago.
“My brother-in-law owns land at Narara, and he supplies me with root crops and vegetables. Like any business, some days are successful while others are not. If I lack certain produce, I usually purchase from middlemen.”
Her daily routine starts around 4 am, where she begins with her devotion before preparing lunches for her children. Despite her busy schedule, Ms. Mei enjoys listening to gospel music in her free moments.
She plans to expand her business over the next five years and encourages women to break beyond gender barriers in their pursuit of success. “If you are willing, just do it,” she advises.