At 65 years old, Vilimaina Waqa exemplifies financial independence through her entrepreneurial spirit as a market vendor in Nayawasara Village, Tailevu. Since 2000, she has been selling vegetables and yaqona at the Korovou Market, a venture supported by her husband’s encouragement. Her journey into the market was driven by determination and the desire to succeed.
Born on Taveuni and raised in a large family, Waqa later moved to Korovou after her marriage. Although she does not have biological children, she has adopted three from her sister’s family, raising them with a strong emphasis on education and hard work. She started her business with a modest investment, withdrawing her savings to purchase initial produce such as eggplants and carrots. From a single stall, her business has blossomed into six stalls today, allowing her to not only support her children’s education but also construct a home.
Waqa emphasizes the importance of time management and maintaining relationships with customers. She believes that a friendly demeanor and helpfulness are key to attracting and retaining clients. “If you are lazy and don’t open your stall when customers are around, you’ll lose them,” she advises, underscoring the need for dedication in business.
Drawing inspiration from her experience, Waqa encourages unemployed women to discover and develop their own skills. “Everyone has some skill,” she asserts, urging individuals to seek guidance if needed. Her message of resilience and hope resonates particularly with women who may find themselves in challenging situations, reminding them that hard work can pave the way for success.
Waqa’s story aligns with that of other market vendors like Lenisa Vurusa, who also highlights the commitment of vendors in supporting their families and communities. Vurusa’s dedication to providing for her children’s education through her work, despite facing hardships, mirrors Waqa’s belief in the transformative power of hard work.
Overall, the experiences of Waqa and her fellow vendors illustrate the vital role of perseverance and community support in achieving personal and financial goals, fostering a spirit of resilience that benefits not just individuals, but society as a whole.
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