Holiday market showcases talent
THE Rocky Point Holiday Market in Rotuma allowed entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their wares and grow their customer base during a time when most avenues had been limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to one of the event organisers and director of Rocky Point Rotuma, Thelma Apao-Mario, the sole purpose of the holiday market initiative was to connect the Rotuman diaspora through their indigenous artisans’ wares and entrepreneurship.
“The holiday market was created to bring together talented Rotuman artisans in Rotuma, Fiji and abroad and connect them to mindful consumers while reinforcing ethnic identity and cultural pride,” she said.
“We are also intrigued by the prospect of the economic impact that artisans could contribute to the households of Rotumans.”
Ms Apao-Mario and Alan Marseu, who runs a social project Humans of Rotuma Island (HORI), came up with the market initiative in 2019.
“Altogether there were nine vendors, with four late bookings that we could not cater since we hope to set a standard.
“The nine vendors were mostly Rotuma-based, Penamena’s Artifacts, Atapisi Collection, Lau Ladies Handicraft, Kapui Kreations (Fiji-based), Heleva Bakes, Henrietta’s Bric-a-Brac (Fiji-based), Rita & Marseu’s Jams and Pickles, Rogrogo Ethical Wear (Australia-based) and Mereama’s Woven Wares,” she said.
Rocky Point was the only sponsor for this market, providing transport for vendors free of charge, along with waiving the vendor and setup fees.
“The exception is for international vendors, they will need to pay $F15 which goes to a holiday fund we submit to the community in either cash or monetary goods,” said Ms Apao-Mario.
She added the response from the market day was mostly excitement as Penamena’s Artifacts and Henrietta’s Brica-Brac were hits with the local children.
“The Rocky Point Holiday Market is currently scheduled for two major holidays in our Fiji calendar, Easter and Christmas.
“These were chosen specifically to target the influx of visitors in that holiday period.”
Ms Apao-Mario said the next holiday market day was scheduled for April 10 during the Easter long weekend.
The vendors who participated in the market day on December 28, 2020, the first of its kind in
Rotuma, were featured on their online platform, giving customers - local and abroad - access to their products.
“Rocky Point and HORI facilitates this sale for the vendor and opts for the most cost-efficient options in freight, packaging, et cetera, customers are also welcome to communicate with the vendors directly.”
Rocky Point provides a venue for hire, a cliff-face bar, an island-style restaurant and a BnB (Bed and Breakfast) whereas HORI is a photography project that showcases Rotumans and their daily activities all over the globe.
According to Ms Apao-Mario, the market day generated interest as people came as inquisitors while others came to engage as a community and support local entrepreneurs.
She said most vendors had made sales and others were fortunate to receive orders.