Businesswoman refuses to let up

ASigatoka businesswoman refuses to let the challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sink her business.

Lalini Ranjana Devi Sharma, 35, is the managing director for Customs Spare Parts (Fiji), at Kabisi.

Last year, she invested $40,000 in her busiisiness. Her years of experience in the accounting field in the tourism industry have however made her resilient.

She said would not to let the COVID-19 pandemic close her business, even though sales had dropped drastically.

“I started this business in 2019,” she said. “I did not have much knowledge on motor vehicle spare parts and lubricants, but through my involvement, I have learnt a lot.”

An expert

Ms Sharma now provides expert advise to male customers on engine parts, car oils and lubricants.

“Some of them walk in and are surprised when I give them advice on their vehicle.” However with the downturn in business, one would have expected Mrs Sharma to close shop.

“Being an accountant by trade, I have learnt to be accountable. I was not going to let my investment waste away.”

Mrs Sharma said her only wish was that Government re-looked at the increase in import freight duty.

She said the freight duty made it harder for vehicle owners to purchase spare parts. “I am doing all my best to lower the prices of these spare parts because I know a lot of people are either unemployed or have reduced hours at work.”