Tiko Ledua is making strides with her innovative upcycling venture, Ledua’s Art Collection. With 15 years of experience in painting and decorating, Ms. Ledua merges her expertise with a commitment to sustainability, crafting unique products that transform waste into creative and functional art.
She has established her business from the ground up, even designing and developing her own website to showcase her distinctive creations.
In her daily life, Ms. Ledua balances the responsibilities of motherhood with running her home-based enterprise. “Being a mother comes first,” she remarked, describing her days as filled with activity, oscillating between caring for her toddler and creating new artwork. “My day is always busy, either I am working or I am mothering,” she explained.
Ms. Ledua’s artistic journey began long before her formal studies. “Before studying painting and decorating in 2009, I was always fascinated by the wonders of colours and their effect on our everyday life,” she reflected. This early passion for color led her from coordinating outfits as a child to mastering it in her professional career.
The concept of upcycling in her artwork emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Residing in Raiwaqa, Ms. Ledua and her husband, who has a background in building and joinery, began collecting discarded materials from the roadside. “We started our new journey of upcycling by picking whatever waste we could find, like old tires, baby cots, and cardboard,” she noted. “From here we started creating art and housewares using waste as our raw materials.”
Establishing her business has not been without challenges. “It was never easy and it still isn’t,” she acknowledged. Ms. Ledua firmly believes in the value of networking, stating, “Network is your Net Worth when you’re in business.” Despite facing doubts and ridicule for her use of waste materials, her dedication and passion have propelled her forward.
Looking ahead, Ms. Ledua has ambitious plans for her enterprise. She aims to open an upcycling center that will provide a platform for women upcyclers, serving as a space for empowerment, showcasing artwork, and fostering creativity. Her vision involves creating a supportive community where women can thrive and make a positive environmental impact.
Recently, Ms. Ledua hosted a successful workshop as part of an Outbound Fellows program sponsored by the Department of State through the East West Centre. This workshop focused on training potential instructors in Fiji’s western and northern regions and was met with great success, identifying six potential trainers.
To enhance her business, Ms. Ledua recognized the necessity for a reliable revenue stream and effective communication of her mission to customers. This realization led her to attend a website-building workshop sponsored by Business Assistance Fiji. “The website workshop and website-building process were very productive and efficient,” she remarked, noting that the website has become essential for her business operations.
Ms. Ledua encourages everyone to learn about repurposing household waste. “Educate yourselves on how to repurpose household wastes in reducing and minimizing landfill impact,” she advised. “There’s so much to do, Fiji!”
Her work exemplifies how creativity, enthusiasm, and persistence can turn unexpected materials into beautiful and practical items, offering inspiration for others to contribute to a more sustainable future.