Christopher Manueli
Food Business - Big Dream for Graduate
Cooking is a hobby for the 28-year-old food business owner.
Christopher Manueli is operating his own food business called Basil’s Fiji, which is named after his late father. He operated from his home in Namadi Heights.
“I wanted to always remember my father for what he has done for me and why not name my business after him,” he said.
He said Basil’s was mainly focused on Gluten Free pastries and food.
“I first began my interest in the culinary arts when my father persuaded me to do Home Economics in High School and that is where my passion to cook began. He passed away back in 2008 and wasn’t able to see me flourish but it was because of him that got me to where I am today and I love it,” Mr Manueli said.
He also said his passion for cooking allowed him to pursue his studies in culinary arts at the Fiji National University (FNU)
“I first started with my certificate III in culinary arts that took about a year for studies and then half a year doing my attachment. And then later completed my trade diploma in culinary arts which took about two years to complete.”
“With the help of family members and selling lovo and baking I was able to complete my schooling,” he said.
He said he graduated from FNU in 2020 and he took about four years break to serve his mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Experience
Mr Manueli said Botaira Beach Resort was an amazing journey for him.
“When I first got there, it was my first time away from home and I was 17,” he said.
“It took me about a week to get used to it and know my way around the kitchen. There were times I was the only one in the kitchen as much as it was a challenge for me it was a really learning experience.”
“Uprising Beach Resort was definitely a step up in the kitchen but the experience is the same when you have caring and amazing workmates.”
He said his goal was to run his own food establishment and then branch out into other things.
“Why stop when there are millions of things to do? Dream Big,” he said.