In the vibrant community of Koronivia, Nausori, a mother-daughter duo, Sedula Devi and Simran Prasad, are making waves with their successful handmade jewelry business, Beaded Treasures. Launched four years ago, their journey began as a means to tackle rising educational costs for Simran, a student at the University of the South Pacific (USP). Facing financial challenges, Simran initially crafted jewelry to express her creativity and ease her expenses. Recognizing her daughter’s talent, Ms. Devi joined her in this endeavor, transforming it into a lucrative business venture.

Reflecting on their humble beginnings, Ms. Devi shared, “We started when she was in university, and it was difficult for her to afford bus fare and fees. Making jewelry together sparked the growth of our business.” What began as a financial necessity soon blossomed into a shared passion, allowing Simran not only to fund her education but also to create a thriving entity that reinvests in new designs and custom pieces.

Simran’s journey into jewelry making took a pivotal turn during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many were seeking creative outlets. After struggling to find suitable accessories for her graduation, she decided to craft her own jewelry. This inspired her and fueled the growth of Beaded Treasures, which now includes a variety of boho-inspired designs and custom-made items. The duo has expanded their business presence, selling at local markets such as Thurston Garden and the Rock Market.

Their success has been amplified by participation in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), which has provided Ms. Devi with invaluable knowledge and skills to enhance their operations. “The AWE program was really educational and informative,” Ms. Devi stated, emphasizing how it has been instrumental in elevating their business.

At the heart of their entrepreneurial journey lies a message of resilience and the importance of believing in one’s talent. Ms. Devi, who once considered herself shy, found her confidence through their shared pursuit. She encourages others to embrace their skills: “If you know you have talent, use it. It’s all about confidence, and even though it was a challenge at first, it’s worth it in the end.” Simran echoed her mother’s advice, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to persist through adversity: “There’s always light at the end of the tunnel, and eventually, you’ll get to where you want to be.”

With their creative and vibrant pieces that cater to a youthful audience, Beaded Treasures has become a beacon of hope, illustrating how passion and perseverance lead to success. Their story not only empowers those in their community but serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, demonstrating that dreams can flourish through hard work and supportive relationships.