Tiko Ledua is making strides with her innovative upcycling venture, Ledua’s Art Collection. With 15 years of experience in painting and decorating, Ms. Ledua has fused her expertise with a commitment to sustainability, creating a business that transforms waste into functional art.
In addition to building her business, she designed and developed her website to showcase her distinct creations. Ms. Ledua emphasized that motherhood is her priority, and her days are filled with balancing parenting and managing her home-based business.
Reflecting on her artistic journey, Ms. Ledua noted that her fascination with colors predates her formal education. Before she pursued painting and decorating in 2009, she was captivated by how colors influence daily life, a passion that led her to excel in color coordination.
The concept of upcycling her art emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic while living in Raiwaqa. Alongside her husband, who has experience in construction and joinery, they began gathering waste materials from the streets, such as old tires and cardboard. This collection became the raw material for their creative projects.
Starting this business was not without challenges. Ms. Ledua highlighted the importance of networking, stating, “Network is your Net Worth when you’re in business.” Despite facing doubt from others regarding her choice of materials, her dedication and love for her work have propelled her forward.
Looking ahead, Ms. Ledua has grand plans for her business. She aspires to establish an upcycling center aimed at supporting women upcyclers, offering a space for empowerment, art creation, and community building. Her goal is to foster a supportive environment that promotes both creativity and environmental consciousness.
Recently, Ms. Ledua successfully conducted a workshop as part of an Outbound Fellows program backed by the Department of State through the East West Centre. This event aimed to find potential trainers in Fiji’s western and northern regions, resulting in the identification of six promising candidates.
Recognizing the importance of technology in her business growth, Ms. Ledua participated in a website development workshop sponsored by Business Assistance Fiji. She described the experience as incredibly productive, and her website now plays a vital role in her operations and customer engagement.
Ms. Ledua encourages others to learn about repurposing household waste to minimize landfill contributions. She believes there are endless possibilities for creative repurposing in Fiji. Her journey highlights how creativity, dedication, and innovation can transform seemingly useless materials into valuable and beautiful items, inspiring others to embrace sustainability in their own lives.