New York Graduate’s Local Taveuni Products in Demand
Vuna Enterprises (FIJI) Pte Limited, a company based in south Taveuni, is gradually gaining attention from local and overseas markets for handmade body products made from home grown and wild harvested ingredients.
The owner and founder of the company, Abhishek Sapra trades products such as soaps, lotions, balms, shampoo known as Sovu Soap.
The 38-year-old bachelor spent most of his life abroad, creating a farm in rural Uganda, Africa.
The graduate with a Degree in Public Relations and Advertising from City College of New York, returned and established his company at Ura, South of Taveuni in 2017.
“We use traditional plant knowledge and science to create products that are eco-friendly, safe for all skin types, and provide the therapeutic properties of plants and trees,” Mr Sapra said.
Mr Sapra said his business partner, an American botanist and scientist living in Rotuma assisted him with the skills and knowledge in making the products.
“Soaps were first made by my great grandmother just for her family who would try and save money during the colonial era.” he said.
“Now I have continued that legacy and feel proud to contribute to Fiji’s economy, creating a brand we hope will be recognised and known in overseas markets.”
The name Vuna comes from the district where they live in Taveuni.
He said it took great passion and effort to invest into such a business, especially in a rural setting, without electricity and water supply. They have invested in solar and rainwater collection.
“We all seem to think and feel that going abroad will broaden our opportunities, and for some people it does.
“But having lived abroad for over 27 years and coming back, we can see that even here, at home, we have endless opportunities and possibilities.
“All it requires is hard work and perseverance.”
His products local buyer is South Pacific Coffee Company (SPCC) in Nadi.
The products are being exported to New Zealand, United States of America through Vaubula Supply Company, owned by locals who are promoting Fijian made products.