Lautoka entrepreneur succeeds in floral headpiece business
Ever since she was a primary school student, Lasharika Alaina Richmond, embarked on a journey, creating floral headpieces which was something she always had a passion for. In 2017, at only 20 years old, she gained customers outside her home town, Lautoka, requesting for the floral headpieces known as lei (Ei Katu) from Labasa, Taveuni, Suva and even from the United States of America.
The now 23-year-old from Tokou, Ovalau has been on her toes trying to keep up with the orders flowing in for her lei’s.
Based in Waiyavi, Lautoka, Ms Richmond said she was content to be a role model to youths around the country who were still struggling to make ends meet and supporting their families.
“I’ve been making lei’s (Ei Katu) ever since I was in primary school for family and school functions,” she said.
“I have a passion for making my own lei’s and also corsages, boutonnieres, tekiteki’s and flower combs. It’s also my favourite pastime because it keeps me busy. “I realised that a lot of people admired my lei’s and often asked if I made or sold them and if I was able to get custom made orders done, I saw this was something I could pursue in order to get a few extra dollars.”
Sleepless nights are often the results of her desire to create perfect lei’s.
“Business is at its peak, the orders are coming in every day and recently I’ve been having sleepless nights trying to get my lei’s and tekiteki’s done to perfection,” she added.
She was grateful to her family for the continuous support they showed.
Orders can be made through her Instagram page – Edited by Selita Bolanavanua