‘Lets Go Local’-Waivaka And Fish In Lolo For Biz Lady

Most retirees in their 50’s opt to pare down their lifestyle and live at a slower pace, but Asivina Maivu­nidawa went in a different direction.

After retiring from a 26-year career in customer service at Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) in 2020, she decided to build not one but three businesses.

The 57-year-old entrepreneur runs a water purification system business, Ecological Purification System or EPS.

She also oversees an electrical service, Di­vine Mountain Electrical, and a kava ex­port enterprise called Divine Mountain Kava Export.

Ms Maivunidawa often travels overseas for business, securing importers for her kava, which she grows at her farm in her vil­lage of Waivaka in Namosi.

Her routine these days is a change of pace from her previous customer service job, but she enjoys it and reaps the rewards of her hard work.

SunBiz caught up with the local business­woman at the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) MSME Day 2023.

She was awarded a certificate of recogni­tion for completing the first phase of a three-year tax and financial literacy training for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Ms Maivunidawa shared some in­sight into her busy work life, her favourite place to be and the food she loves to eat.

What do you love about your job?

I’m occupied all the time. With my manage­ment skills, I liaise and talk to people. I com­municate with people of all different age groups. I also love farming.

Best place to relax in Fiji?

The best place to relax is in my village in Waivaka, Namosi. It’s surrounded by veg­etation. It’s unplugged, so no network.

Domoika falls in Waivaka, Namosi

What do you love to eat?

Home cooked meals. I love my dalo. Fish with lolo.

Fish in lolo

How important are you as a small business owner to the Fijian economy?

I contribute to the economy and govern­ment. The government recognises us [MS­MEs] and uses our money to provide social welfare and develop our nation.

What makes Fiji an attractive travel and in­vestment destination?

The resources we have. Food at the market is cheap. The Fijian culture and tradition we maintain. Simple living.

What do you attribute your success to as a business owner?

The support from my family and friends. The relationships I built for the last 30 years of service with the government and EFL have contributed to my growth.

Story By: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj