Tiko Ledua is making strides with her innovative upcycling enterprise, Ledua’s Art Collection. With 15 years of experience in painting and decorating, she has fused her professional expertise with a commitment to sustainability to create a distinctive business that transforms waste into functional and artistic pieces.
Alongside building her business from scratch, Ms. Ledua took on the challenge of designing and developing her own website to highlight her unique offerings.
“Being a mother comes first,” she remarked, illustrating how her days are a blend of nurturing her toddler and managing her home-based business. Whether she is engaged in parenting or creating her next artistic work, Ms. Ledua’s schedule is consistently full. “My day is always busy, either I am working or I am mothering,” she stated.
Ms. Ledua’s artistic journey began well before she pursued formal training. “Before studying painting and decorating in 2009, I was always fascinated by the wonders of colors and their effect on our everyday life,” she reflected. This early interest propelled her from coordinating childhood outfits to refining her color-matching skills in her professional endeavors.
The concept of upcycling in her art struck her during the COVID-19 pandemic. Residing in Raiwaqa, she and her husband, who has expertise in construction and joinery, began gathering discarded materials from the roadside. “We started our upcycling journey by picking up whatever waste we could find, like old tires, baby cots, and cardboard,” Ms. Ledua explained. “From here we began creating art and housewares using waste as our raw materials.”
Launching her business was not without its challenges. “It was never easy, and it still isn’t!” she declared. Ms. Ledua firmly believes in the importance of networking, expressing that “Network is your Net Worth when you’re in business.” Despite initial skepticism and ridicule for repurposing waste, her determination and enthusiasm continue to propel her forward.
Looking ahead, Ms. Ledua has ambitious goals for her business. “We are planning to open an upcycling center that will provide a platform for women upcyclers,” she disclosed. This center is envisioned as a space for empowerment, showcasing art, and fostering creativity in a supportive environment.
Recently, Ms. Ledua successfully conducted a workshop as part of an Outbound Fellows programme, sponsored by the Department of State through the East West Centre. The workshop’s objective was to identify potential trainers in Fiji’s western and northern regions, resulting in the discovery of six promising candidates.
To enhance her business operations, Ms. Ledua recognized the necessity for a reliable revenue stream and effective communication of her mission to customers. To this end, she participated in a website-building workshop sponsored by Business Assistance Fiji, which proved productive and efficient. The new website now plays a vital role in her business.
Ms. Ledua encourages others to learn about repurposing household waste. “Educate yourselves on how to repurpose household wastes to reduce and minimize landfill contributions,” she advised, emphasizing the potential for positive change.
Her journey showcases how creativity, dedication, and resourcefulness can transform unlikely materials into beautiful and practical innovations, offering inspiration to all on the path to a more sustainable future.