Qio Starts Cohesion Invesment
Meliki Qio has faced a lot of challenges but that has not stopped her from starting her own business.
Today, the 38-year-old owns a business that specialises in Fijian handicrafts, particularly unique customized contemporary pieces using locally sourced materials. She said she decided to start her business because of financial constraints, with the support of her family and it that she had the confidence to open a business, something she had begun to love and cherish.
“I named my business Cohesion Investments and started selling my handicrafts online while blogging about my life,” she said.
Ms Qio said changing course from being a science student at the University of the South Pacific was something different she had to experience.
“My dream was to actually be in the teaching field, study really fascinated me and science was my thing… but here I am now.”
She started her business through her first sale this year
“It’s been challenging having to pay for the rent, to maneuver through all these things while there’s a rise in prices.”
We’re managing,” she said.
She believes it’s the duty of the younger generation to keep up with art and traditions.
Her mother taught her crafting when she was young and now they work as partners.
Ms Qio said nothing is easy in life and it’s the hard work that gets things through.
“Everyone’s struggling, there’s nothing in this world that cannot be fixed, everything is fixable.
Ms Qio said nothing is easy in life and it’s the hard work that gets things through.
Raising a family and running a business with the rising cost of living isn’t easy.
“There’s the uncertainty of having sales in a day or in a month because people don’t always have money.
“So I have to think about how I am going to survive in those times,” she said.
Her customers are both local and from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Switzerland.
Its so amazing to see people who believe in our Fijian handicrafts.”
She sells all types of handicrafts including earrings, fans, tabua, purses, and mats.
We always listen to our customer’s budget, and then we work accordingly.