Cathy Ram, an upcoming entrepreneur in Sigatoka Town, describes herself as someone in control of her emotions.
It’s a personal trait that helps her keep things in perspective, particularly as her daily juggle, family, children, husband and home aside, involve running two fast food outlets.
“Whether I am happy or sad, no one will know,” the 27-year old mother of two runs said.
“Keeping that balance can at times be overwhelming.”
She owns and operates Friendly Express and Friendly Wholesale and Retailers – both located at the Sigatoka bus station.
As a teenage mum, she was inspired by her children to make a name for herself.
“I was 19 when I had my first child,” Ms Ram said.
“I couldn’t continue my tertiary studies given the circumstances – I had to make a living for my children’s sake.”
But her transition into the business sector was not as a novice, for Ms Ram had some practise during her high school years.
“I inherited the business from my parents after my father retired,” she said.
“Customer demands are our daily challenge, but it keeps us on our feet,” she said.
“Because customers spend their money on us, we maintain that the customer is always right, especially when customers tend to have a change of mind over a purchase.
“Against the volume of traffic we are met with daily, this in itself can be a test on us; we stand behind the counter all day, serving them.”
Even though she enjoys living large, Ms Ram says many do not appreciate the daily trials of running a business.
“People think just because I run a business, I am rich, and I have plenty of money,” the Olosara resident said.
“That misconception is met with the reality where the nature of our business is such that money comes in, and almost immediately goes out.”
Where in Fiji would you take friends to?
Coral Coast.
There are tonnes of exciting places to visit, from the sea to the valley.
Waidroka Bay Resort Coral Coast, Fiji
What is your favourite spot for a coffee or pie?
Shop N Save, Sigatoka.
The pies are delicious.
Even tourists are seen there.
And prices are affordable.
What is your favourite backyard spot?
Kulukulu.
It feels like home.
The whole world is tucked away in that little slice of paradise.
Chuba ni wai… Kulukulu settlement is a coastal community flanked on one side by the famous Kulukulu estuary, and the popular sand dunes that stretches out to the Sigatoka River mouth, on the other.
What is one place in Fiji on your bucket list?
Lau group.
Images I have seen of the place are alluring.
Fulaga in Southern Lau.
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj