Peniana Matai is making the most of her days as a market vendor in the Suva Municipal Market, determined to create immediate cash flow despite facing tough competition. Three years ago, she took a significant step by leaving her job as a casual worker to pursue this new venture, embracing the challenges of being the sole income provider for her husband and four children.
Matai describes her journey as rewarding, saying she has met incredible people through her business. On good days, she can earn up to $300, a substantial increase compared to her previous biweekly salary. However, the market comes with its difficulties, such as the fluctuating prices of seafood, which depend on customer demand and the sourcing challenges for items like crabs and sea grapes. Currently, the prices for seafood at the Suva market are accessible, with sea grapes costing between $2 and $5 and crabs in coconut milk priced at $5.
In the same market, Tokasa Wati, a seasoned dalo seller with over a decade of experience, has also found success. Originally from Lomai Vuna in Naitasiri, Wati transitioned into farming after her schooling, starting with watermelons and gradually expanding her business to include dalo. During peak season, she can earn up to $3,000 per week from her four-acre farm, located a significant distance from her village. Wati also grows corn, pumpkins, and various green vegetables, and credits her farming endeavors for enabling her to support her children’s education and family expenses.
Wati encourages young people to utilize their land wisely for financial independence, stating that every iTaukei individual has access to land, which can be a source of income. With bundles of dalo selling for $20 to $30, Wati’s story exemplifies resilience and is a source of inspiration for many in her community.
Overall, these stories reflect not only the entrepreneurial spirit alive in the Suva Municipal Market but also demonstrate that hard work and resourcefulness can lead to financial stability and a brighter future for individuals and families alike.
Summary: Peniana Matai and Tokasa Wati, both market vendors in Suva, showcase the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Matai’s journey as a seafood vendor and Wati’s success in dalo farming highlight the importance of resilience and using local resources to secure a better future for their families.
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