Curiosity and motivation have played a key role in shaping the life of Tarusila Mei, a 40-year-old market vendor in Fiji. For over a decade, she has utilized these principles to not only navigate her daily challenges but also to discover a newfound talent for creating salusalu, a traditional Fijian accessory.
Ms. Mei’s journey into the world of salusalu began in 2018 when she would watch her friends craft colorful designs. Inspired by their creativity, she explored the possibility of creating her own pieces. “My salusalu business began around 2018,” she shared. “I would sit and observe other women make salusalu for sale. Their encouragement made me believe I could do it too.”
She started by crafting salusalu for her children’s graduation day, an event that remains special to her. Her daughter, then in Class 7, received a progressive prize and another child in Class 3 excelled in her studies, making the day memorable as they wore the salusalu she had lovingly made.
Since then, the positive response from customers has motivated Ms. Mei to continue perfecting her craft. She currently manages two successful businesses, attributing her achievements to hard work and resilience. Alongside her salusalu business, she operates a vegetable stall inherited from her mother-in-law.
With supplies sourced from her brother-in-law’s land, Ms. Mei faces the usual ups and downs of business, navigating challenges by sourcing produce from middlemen when necessary. Her daily routine starts early, around 4 am, as she dedicates time for devotion before preparing her children’s lunches.
In her spare time, Ms. Mei enjoys listening to gospel music and has plans to expand her business over the next five years. She encourages other women to break down gender barriers when pursuing success. “If you are willing, just do it,” she advises.