After two decades in the tourism sector, Meli Rokotakala found his true passion amid the global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, he had to leave his position in Nadi and return to his home in Nabalebale Village, Cakaudrove. During this challenging time, he took a moment to reflect on the talents he possessed.
As he relaxed in his backyard garden, Meli became captivated by the beauty of flowers. This newfound appreciation for horticulture inspired him to start making decorative items for homes, transforming a hobby into a thriving business. Drawing on his previous experience with South Sea Cruises, Fiji Club, and Tuitai Adventure Cruises, he launched his own venture called Meli’s Artfeast Investment.
Since its inception, Meli has gained recognition as a talented event decorator in Savusavu and Labasa, creatively enhancing various events such as birthdays, funerals, weddings, corporate functions, and religious gatherings. Known for his perfectionist approach, he carefully selects flowers from his garden to ensure each arrangement showcases his aesthetic sensibility.
His entrepreneurial journey also included opening a savings account with BSP in Savusavu, marking a key milestone toward his financial independence.
Upon learning about BSP’s three-day workshop in partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) under the THRIVE programme, Meli eagerly participated to broaden his knowledge. THRIVE, which stands for “Together, Helping to build a Resilient, Inclusive, and Vibrant Economy,” aims to provide entrepreneurs with crucial business management skills.
Meli emphasizes the significance of proper business practices, highlighting that success is not only driven by passion but also by the ability to manage profit and loss. He shared insights about the potential for youth to become successful entrepreneurs, advocating for the need for support in their endeavors. As the oldest of four siblings and a former student of Savusavu Secondary School, Meli stressed the importance of finding joy in one’s work, urging others not to settle for jobs that do not fulfill them.
Grateful for the opportunity to attend the Labasa workshop, he called it a transformative experience and encouraged young individuals to explore their talents, advising them to contribute positively to their communities rather than conforming to societal expectations.
The THRIVE programme in Fiji has its roots in the “Your Enterprise Scheme” (YES) initiated at BSP’s headquarters in Papua New Guinea in 2019. Partnering with ABV, the programme aims to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing essential resources and knowledge. BSP Fiji adapted and rebranded the programme to better suit the local context while emphasizing its goal of fostering a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant economy.