For over a decade, Vani Tura has been the owner of Vani’s Handicraft at Stalls 71 and 72 at the Suva Flea Market. The 46-year-old small business owner is one of many women entrepreneurs at the Flea Market selling traditional Fijian art, such as handwoven mats, tapa, fans, and salusalu.
Ms Tura’s handicraft business has been her sole livelihood and means to support her four children as a single mother.
“Through this business, I was able to send my son overseas to continue his studies,” she said.
Since 2012, Vani’s Handicraft has also been a way for Ms Tura to bond with a wider community of businesswomen at the Flea Market.
While working at a local restaurant, Ms Tura observed these women running their handicraft shops and it inspired her to build one of her own.
“I became interested in it [handicraft business] and left my job to start my own stall.”
So with only $50 in hand, Ms Tura made salusalu and wove mats to sell and earn income to support her family.
“I’m a single Mum. There was no backup. I just worked hard, bought materials, and sold salusalu to put the income back into the business,” she said.
In 2023, the entrepreneur’s biggest challenge is the lack of customers at her stalls at the beginning of the year.
Despite the rising cost of living pressures, Ms Tura’s business and love for serving customers are still going strong.
In the future, she hopes to grow her business enough to be able to buy a vehicle and land.
Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj