After two decades in the tourism sector, Meli Rokotakala discovered his true calling during the global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Meli had to leave his position in Nadi and return to his hometown of Nabalebale Village in Cakaudrove. This period of uncertainty provided him a chance to reflect on his talents.
While enjoying the tranquility of his garden, Meli became captivated by the beauty of flowers. This newfound passion for horticulture inspired him to create home decorations, evolving from a mere hobby into a thriving business. Drawing on his experiences with South Sea Cruises, Fiji Club, and Tuitai Adventure Cruises, Meli launched his own venture, Meli’s Artfeast Investment.
Today, Meli is a prominent event decorator in Savusavu and Labasa, specializing in decorating for diverse occasions, including birthdays, funerals, weddings, corporate events, and religious celebrations. A natural perfectionist, he carefully selects flowers from his garden to ensure every arrangement showcases his artistic vision.
Meli’s entrepreneurial journey also led him to open a savings account with the BSP branch in Savusavu, taking a significant step toward financial independence.
In a bid to enhance his business acumen, Meli attended a three-day workshop organized by BSP in collaboration with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) under the THRIVE programme. THRIVE, which stands for “Together, Helping to build a Resilient, Inclusive, and Vibrant Economy,” aims to equip entrepreneurs with essential business management skills.
Meli acknowledged the necessity of effective business management and recognized that success hinges not solely on passion but also on understanding financial dynamics. Emphasizing the untapped potential of young people, Meli noted the importance of finding meaningful work that brings joy rather than remaining stuck in unfulfilling jobs.
As the eldest of four siblings and a former student of Savusavu Secondary School, he underscored the value of pursuing one’s happiness and expressed gratitude to BSP and ABV for the transformative experience of the workshop. He encourages young individuals to explore their unique talents and contribute to their communities rather than merely following conventional paths.
The Fiji THRIVE programme initially started as the “Your Enterprise Scheme” (YES) at BSP headquarters in Papua New Guinea in 2019. Partnering with ABV, it was aimed at empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in PNG by providing important knowledge, resources, and skills. BSP Fiji later adapted and renamed the programme THRIVE to better suit the local market and further its mission of fostering a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant economy.