Bulou Ateca Grace Qolouvaki Sugutanaivalu Bola, a determined mother from the beautiful island of Vanuabalavu in Fiji, serves as an inspiring model of resilience and ambition. With a deep-seated love for travel, she has established a successful career in the cruise industry, while demonstrating a commitment to family and personal growth.
Ms. Bola hails from Lomaloma, Fiji’s first modern town, where her family instilled in her the values of service and purpose. Her journey began at the young age of 22 when she took to the seas, shaping her professional identity. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a career shift, leading her to join Fiji Airways as a cabin crew member, honoring her mother’s legacy in the airline industry.
Though the pandemic brought significant challenges, Ms. Bola embraced the change, yet eventually felt the tug of the ocean calling her back. “Sometimes it’s best to drop anchor and enjoy the view from home,” she reflected, as she made the poignant decision to focus on being a full-time mother.
Her career has seen notable progress; after heading the cruise ship department at Rosie Holidays, she returned to the maritime industry as an Assistant Destinations Manager. This role enables her to pursue her professional aspirations while maintaining a vital balance with her family, allowing her to return home to her “small but mighty crew of kids” between contracts.
Inspired by her mother’s impact in the airline industry, Ms. Bola combined her studies in tourism and hospitality management with part-time work as a receptionist. Her dedication bore fruit when she was offered a position with P&O Australia, marking her entry into the cruise sector.
Beyond her personal journey, Ms. Bola is a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, stressing the importance of chasing one’s dreams despite challenges. “The world is vast and filled with opportunities; nothing should stand in the way of your dreams,” she asserts, emphasizing women’s potential to excel in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Her story resonates with other women in tourism and hospitality, such as Irinieta Naqolo, assistant manager at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, who also highlights the value of resilience and community support. Their experiences reflect a collective commitment to uplifting one another and creating pathways for future female leaders.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Month, Ms. Bola’s empowering message is a reminder to young women to remain flexible, appreciative of opportunities, and pursue their passions wholeheartedly. Her journey is not just a celebration of her achievements but a source of inspiration for many, particularly women forging their paths through resilience and determination in the travel and hospitality sectors.
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