School Dropout, Dean Opens New Restaurant
Aschool dropout and single mother-ofthree, Rashsika Khatoon Dean opened her new restaurant, ZamZam, in Samabula yesterday.
It is an expansion to the existing restaurant which she opened in 2016.
“This is a dream come true,” the 48-year-old said.
Ms Dean started her business in 2013 operating a Kiosk at the Suva bus stand, selling fish and cassava.
From there she operated Puffet Café at Robertson Road, and Al-Kausar at Yatu Lau arcade in 2014.
Ms Dean said there was no life without challenges.
“It is through the challenges that I faced in life that made me utilise my passion for cooking and starting a business.
“Without challenges, there is no life, as the challenges make you work hard to achieve your goals,” Ms Dean said.
“I am a single mother, and it is not easy to reach this level.
“Mothers think about how to provide the best for their children, and get a good education, that’s what I did and my three children are doing well now.
Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar, while opening the new restaurant last night, was proud to witness the progress of an inspirational entrepreneur.
Ms Akbar said the Fijian Government recognised the importance of the private sector as the engine for economic growth and development.
“Entrepreneurs and growing businesses not only earn for themselves, but generate employment for more people, this restaurant that employed 9 staff will now provide jobs to 20 Fijians – and that is the best part about it,”Ms Akbar said.
“Ms Khatoon has had her fair share of challenges in running her businesses and in her personal life, especially in creating a balance between her duties in and outside her home – but her success is a reminder and an example that nothing is impossible, if we are determined to achieve our goals, and I hope such success stories will inspire more people, especially women to go get their dreams.
“The Fijian Government believes in businesses, because businesses encourage the creation of jobs, wealth, embody independence and are the roots of a free society.
“Such investments sure do send out a positive sign to other local and foreign investors that there is confidence to invest in Fiji. Even during COVID, the operations of ZamZam continued under innovative operational strategies and now in 2022, the business has expanded.
Ms Akbar reiterated that the commitment of domestic investors remained critical to reinvigorate the Fijian economy.
ZamZam opens seven days a week from 7am to 10pm