Roveline Roshan didn’t anticipate that her journey upon arriving in Fiji from the Philippines in 1995 would lead her to own a thriving tailoring business. Raised in a middle-income family in Quezon City, Mrs. Roshan began her career working at a garment factory. Her life took a pivotal turn when recruiters from Ghim Li Global Pte Ltd traveled to the Philippines seeking workers. At just 19, she signed a contract to work at the Ghim Li factory in Lautoka, initially intending to go to Brunei.
Upon her arrival, unforeseen circumstances necessitated her transfer to Fiji instead, as the factory needed machinists to fulfill urgent orders. In 1997, she married Rakesh Rohan, a fellow employee from the factory, and they welcomed their son in 1999. Reflecting on her early experiences in Fiji, Mrs. Roshan shared how her small home business evolved into a staple for the Lautoka community.
After Ghim Li closed, she began sewing from her home in 2005 and opened her first shop in town in 2006. By 2011, she had relocated to her current space on Tukani Street. Mrs. Roshan sources her materials from local suppliers in Suva and Lautoka, including threads and additional accessories. To serve her community better, she also stocks snacks and school supplies to cater to local children.
Specializing in women’s garments, particularly traditional iTaukei clothing like sulu and jaba, she has carved out a niche in the tailoring market. Despite modest earnings that cover family expenses, Mrs. Roshan expresses gratitude for the income stability it brings. Her husband works as a loans officer, and together they have successfully funded their son’s education. He has recently graduated with a dual degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Fiji and has begun his career at Lautoka Hospital, a milestone that fills her with pride.
Though she strives to visit her family in the Philippines every few years, the loss of her parents weighs heavily on her heart. Encouraging youth to embrace skills like sewing, Mrs. Roshan notes that the craft is fading among younger generations. She believes in the potential for leveraging such trades as viable career paths, urging young individuals to consider learning sewing during times when traditional employment may be scarce.
Mrs. Roshan’s journey is a testament to resilience and community spirit, showcasing how one can turn adversity into opportunity while supporting both family and local traditions.
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