After two decades in the tourism sector, Meli Rokotakala uncovered his true passion during a global crisis. In 2021, as the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, Meli found himself leaving his job in Nadi and returning to his hometown of Nabalebale Village in Cakaudrove. It was during this uncertain time that he began to reflect on his talents.
Sitting in the tranquility of his backyard garden, Meli became captivated by the natural beauty of flowers. This newfound interest in horticulture led him to start crafting home decorations, a hobby that soon evolved into a thriving business. Drawing on his previous work experiences with South Sea Cruises, Fiji Club, and Tuitai Adventure Cruises, Meli decided to combine his skills and passion to launch Meli’s Artfeast Investment.
Since then, Meli has established himself as a popular event decorator in Savusavu and Labasa, creatively enhancing a variety of events such as birthday celebrations, funerals, weddings, corporate gatherings, and religious ceremonies. As a perfectionist, Meli hand-picks flowers from his garden, ensuring that every arrangement reflects his keen eye for color and design. His journey into entrepreneurship also included opening a savings account with the BSP branch in Savusavu, marking an important step toward financial autonomy.
Meli recently learned about a three-day workshop offered by BSP in collaboration with Australian Business Volunteers under the THRIVE programme. Eager to broaden his knowledge, he participated in this initiative aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to manage their businesses effectively. THRIVE, which stands for “Together, Helping to build a Resilient, Inclusive, and Vibrant Economy,” emphasizes the importance of sound business practices beyond mere passion, stressing the necessity of understanding profit and loss.
“Not everyone is destined for blue- or white-collar jobs,” Meli pointed out, highlighting the potential for young individuals to thrive as entrepreneurs if they have the proper support. As the eldest of four siblings and a former student of Savusavu Secondary School, Meli underlined the significance of engaging in work that brings true happiness. “Many people are unhappy in their jobs but persevere for their families’ sake. It is essential to discover what genuinely brings you joy and pursue that,” he stated.
Meli expressed profound thanks to BSP and ABV for the transformative experience provided by the workshop in Labasa. He urges young people to explore their unique talents and contribute to their communities rather than simply following popular paths.
The Fiji THRIVE programme originated from the “Your Enterprise Scheme” (YES) at BSP headquarters in Papua New Guinea in 2019. In partnership with ABV, the programme was created to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in PNG by providing vital knowledge, resources, and skills. BSP Fiji adapted the programme for the local market, rebranding it as THRIVE to reflect its dedication to fostering a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant economy.