Ex-flight Attendant Helps Those in Quarantine

Kotoisuva’s online business can do more than just shopping deliveries and bill payments.

The Nadi Quarantine facilities may have limited supplies of goods, medical supplies and other general needs, but that can be solved by entrepreneur Natasha Kotoisuva.

Originally from Nasau, Moce, in Lau with maternal links to Pepjei in Rotuma, the former flight attendant decided to start her quarantine business by providing shopping deliveries to those who are under 14-day quarantine at their respective facilities.

“It turns out that there are so many people who need assistance in various forms. Quarantine shopping and delivery has been a huge demand at the moment. It started as friends of family members, who were in quarantine, needed supplies and assistance during their stay,” the 25-year-old said.

“It started with one or two people and by word of mouth, it continued to grow significantly from there.”

She said with the limited provision in the quarantine facilities she had the opportunity to provide business to whatever her customers in quarantine urgently needed.

“Actually, for those in quarantine there is no limit to the goods that I have provided – from medical supplies and sanitary products to catered meals, to general shopping, special gifts, flower deliveries, etc.

Most of her clients are those who do not have friends and family members living in Nadi. They urgently need supplies during their stay, or have special dietary requirements or are a little tired of hotel food.

“I also have clients who were unprepared for the quarantine and did not know what to expect. There are also clients who are celebrating a special birthday or anniversary while in quarantine,” she said.

She can also do business registration, bank deposits, payment of fines, bills that clients do not typically have the time or access to.

“I also do house sitting, babysitting, and can take the elderly to the doctors or hairdressers if they request it or if family members overseas request for them,” Ms Kotoisuva said.

Ms Kotoisuva said encouragement from her family helped her business grow significantly.

“When I lost my job, there was nowhere else to turn to. So many people in Nadi were impacted. I had to find something that I could do with the little money I had to start a business,” she said.

“I discussed the business with my family on how I could grow and do more that was of value to people, particularly during this pandemic period.”

Her online business started seven months ago, named as “Maid to Gogo.”