Lenisa Vurusa, a dedicated market vendor from Wainikai in Namosi, cherishes her role in supporting her family. For over a decade, Ms. Vurusa has been committed to providing her customers with fresh produce while ensuring her four children’s education is prioritized.
She began her journey as a market vendor around 2006 or 2007, finding joy in this work as it allows her to sustain her family and secure a bright future for her kids. Her children—Lavenia Adi Bilo, Eremasi Vuki, Ponipote Nayavusowata, and Tevita Rayaseyase—motivate her every day to persevere.
“My goal is to see my kids succeed in life,” Ms. Vurusa expressed. “Everything I do is to provide them the best education possible so they can thrive as successful Fijians in the future.”
Currently, there is a growing interest among her customers in purchasing local produce. Although vegetable prices have recently fallen, she notes that, in the past, they were significantly higher, and she enjoys exchanging a variety of vegetables with her diverse clientele.
Interestingly, her original aspiration was to become a nurse, a dream she abandoned due to financial constraints. “As a nurse, you can truly make a difference in people’s lives,” she reflected. Despite not achieving this goal, she remains confident that her decision to become a vendor has turned out to be one of the best choices she ever made.
In her rare moments of free time, she loves soaking up the sun by the seaside. Looking ahead, Ms. Vurusa hopes to continue her work in the market for many more years.
She urges others facing challenges to remain determined and resilient. “The road to success is never-ending,” she advised. “As long as we pray and keep working hard, everything will be alright.”