Natoga’s passion for arranging flowers, events began in Year 6
From a young age, Maciu Natoga has always been surrounded by flowers and arranging them into bold and decorative pieces. When he was given the chance to earn $120 way back in Year 6 to do flower arrangement for a wedding, it became the catalyst for his now emerging business.
“I received $120 for that flower arrangement and bought my new school bag and some other school stuff,” the 30-year-old said. “The dream started when I used to clean the church and arrange flowers for Sunday worship.” Then in school, his teacher often asked him to do flower arrangements especially for functions. And so began his love for the work which opened up doors for him in the market.
The former hotel worker said despite studying other courses at the Fiji National University, he would also turn to doing what he loved.
“I was not able to concentrate on the work that I did because of the dream and the creativity that I already had,” he said.
The 30-year-old said he gained better experience while working with Fiji Event & Wedding expert, Kim Beddoes and also spent a few years working in Samoa as a florist.
“I knew I had a good experience and a better knowledge of the passion I have so I decided to return to Fiji and started a business. “
He has established his own business called Weddings, Parties and Events Coordinating in Nadi.
“My business is about planning and coordinating any type of occasion. I do catering and have my own chef, Vilimaina Volau with my seven other staff,” the former Savusavu Secondary School student said.