Tiko Ledua is making strides with her innovative upcycling business, Ledua’s Art Collection. With a 15-year background in painting and decorating, she has merged her artistic skills with a commitment to sustainability, transforming waste into creative and functional art pieces.
Ms. Ledua has not only built her business from scratch but has also designed her own website to feature her distinctive creations. She emphasizes the importance of motherhood in her life, stating, “Being a mother comes first.” Balancing the responsibilities of caring for her toddler and managing her home-based business keeps her days busy and rewarding.
Her artistic journey began long before she engaged in formal studies. She shared, “Before studying painting and decorating in 2009, I was always fascinated by the wonders of colours and their effect on our everyday life.” This lifelong passion for color led her to develop her skills in coordinating colors in both her personal and professional life.
The inspiration to incorporate upcycling into her artwork came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Living in Raiwaqa with her husband, who has experience in building and joinery, they started collecting discarded materials from their surroundings. “We began our new journey of upcycling by collecting whatever waste we could find, like old tires, baby cots, and cardboard,” Ms. Ledua explained. She and her husband then began crafting art and household items from these materials.
Building her upcycling business has not been without challenges. “It was never easy and it still isn’t!” she admitted. Nonetheless, she values networking, emphasizing that “Network is your Net Worth when you’re in business.” Despite facing skepticism for using waste materials, her dedication has propelled her business forward.
Looking ahead, Ms. Ledua has ambitious plans to establish an upcycling center aimed at empowering women upcyclers. This center is envisioned as a showroom and a creative space that fosters a supportive community where women can thrive and contribute positively to the environment.
Recently, Ms. Ledua conducted a successful workshop as part of the Outbound Fellows programme supported by the Department of State and the East West Centre. This initiative focused on training potential upcycling educators in Fiji’s western and northern regions, resulting in the identification of six promising trainers.
To enhance her business operations, Ms. Ledua recognized the necessity for a consistent revenue source and effective communication of her mission. She participated in a website-building workshop sponsored by Business Assistance Fiji, which proved to be highly productive. Her newly launched website now plays a vital role in her business.
Ms. Ledua advocates for education on repurposing household waste, urging others to learn ways to minimize landfill contributions. “There’s so much to do, Fiji!” she encourages. Her journey exemplifies how creativity and perseverance can transform unexpected materials into valuable and beautiful products, inspiring others to embrace sustainability initiatives.