Salanieta Mua, a 36-year-old woman from Togalevu, Ba, is redefining resilience and independence despite living with a spinal injury for the past 16 years. After a life-altering motor vehicle accident in 2009 that left her with a compressed spinal fracture, Ms. Mua has turned her passion for baking into a burgeoning business, showcasing a remarkable refusal to let her disability define her life.
“Living with a disability has never stopped me,” Ms. Mua shared, emphasizing her commitment to doing things that others may assume are beyond her reach. This determination led her to pursue a career in pastry work, where she could express her creativity and independence.
Recently, her hard work was rewarded when she received a brand new oven from the Ministry of Women, Children & Social Protection, as part of its Economic Empowerment for People Living with Disabilities initiative. This significant support marks a pivotal step in advancing her baking business.
The motivation behind Ms. Mua’s entrepreneurial spirit is deeply personal. She expressed a desire to maintain independence, stating, “I didn’t want to depend on my parents or anyone else.” Her mother also faces physical challenges and uses a wheelchair, which further inspires Ms. Mua to strive for self-sufficiency and financial independence.
Starting her business three years ago from her mother’s small oven, Ms. Mua initially baked pastries and made tamarind treats. Functional opportunities arose when she connected with a social welfare officer who encouraged her to secure government assistance, leading to her recent acquisition of an oven.
“This support will help me grow my business and encourage people living with disabilities that nothing about us is without us,” she remarked appreciatively, recognizing the broader impact her success could have on others.
Before her accident, Ms. Mua worked in a restaurant in Ba Town, where she honed essential skills in catering and pastry-making, which she now applies every day. Looking forward, she aims to sell her pastries in town and expand her presence through social media, effectively reaching a wider customer base.
With the supportive involvement of her father, Seremaia Seuseu, who often drives her into town to sell her goods, Ms. Mua’s journey is one filled with gratitude and ambition. “I thank God for answering our prayers,” Mr. Seuseu said, highlighting the positive change brought about by their collective efforts.
For Ms. Mua, her new oven is far more than a mere kitchen appliance; it symbolizes hope, empowerment, and the belief that anyone can overcome limitations with determination and hard work. Her story is one of inspiration, reminding us of the strength found in the pursuit of one’s passions despite adversity.
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