Finau happy to earn again for Fiji Day
“We just managed with all that we can and just listened to the news for the lifting of the lockdown. When Government announced the lifting of all borders, I was very happy as I was able to go and get my items for selling and visit my relatives
Demonstrating traditional knowledge and art through weaving is part of Arieta Finau’s Fiji day celebration. Based at the Flea Market in Suva, Mrs Finau hand weaves fans, mats, salusalu and other items which she sells for a living.
She said while business has very slow, Mrs Finau remains hopeful that things will pick up.
“I have been doing this for four years, selling Fijian made products that people buy as a gift or for special occasions such as weddings, graduation and Fiji Day,” said Mrs Finau.
Mrs Finau, along with other tailors at the Flea Market, plan to wear kalavata and have Fiji themed cakes as part of their Fiji Day celebrations.
She said while celebration is small, just being together with other tailors is enough because we are all still trying to recover from the pandemic.
Leading up to Fiji day last year, business thrived for Mrs Finau and the other tailors as there were a lot of orders.
“We were very busy last year as customers came to buy for Fiji Day 50 which was really good for our business. But this year, it has really slowed down for us because of the pandemic. However, we are happy that the market has reopened because it gives us a chance to earn again,” she said.
Mrs Finau lives in Qauia in Lami, an area in Viti Levu that was under lockdown during the pandemic.
She said it was a really hard time for her family during the lockdown because she was not able to earn money.
“We just managed with all that we can and just listened to the news for the lifting of the lockdown. When Government announced the lifting of all borders, I was very happy as I was able to go and get my items for selling and visit my relatives,” said Mrs Finau
Mrs Finau also hopes to visit relatives for Fiji Day celebrations on Sunday.