Florist lives by faith

EVEN after her career in the civil service was cut short in 2007, Marica Esther Werekoiteni Ravutu remained positive because she knew she had to find an alternative source of income to make ends meet.

At the time her mother operated a flower business that survived on a several clients some who requested flowers every week.

Ms Ravutu said she had fair knowledge about the business because from time to time she would help her mother with either arranging or delivering flowers.

Even though the civil service had big promises for her in terms of finance, Ms Ravutu said she sked God to be her provider because she had lost her fortnightly salary.

“When my contract was not renewed in 2007 I put my trust in the Lord and focused on the floral business. Eventually over time business was good. With proper management I was able to earn that fortnightly salary in just one day.

“I trusted in my Lord and continue to thank him for the blessings he provides every day in my work as a florist.”

Eventually Ms Ravutu took over the business and continued to support her mum. She later named the business Garden of Eden.

“I used to operate in Suva, but opted to operate from her home in Tamavua,” she said.

She specialises in making floral arrangement for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, birthdays and many more.

“The colours and the flowers that I have to arrange just clicks when I do my work. It takes me about 10 minutes to finish a floral arrangement and might be more if it’s a big wreath,” she said.

“I also receive orders from Finland, UK, France and US. My local clients are mostly from the disciplinary forces and other corporate bodies.”

Ms Ravutu said she also does flower arrangement or brochures for Palm Sunday which is one of her busiest times.

“I received about 700 orders to make fresh orchid brochure pins for children participating on Palm Sunday.

“I did not even attend training to be a florist, but I just relied on my god-given talent.”

Ms Ravutu’s advice is “never underestimate yourself. If other people can do it, so can you.”

She has her own supplier at the Suva market where she picks fresh flowers when she wants to do her orders.

“By 4.30am or 5am, I’m always at the market buying flowers for orders that I have received for that particular day.”

Another important thing she must do is to get her orders delivered before time and to be consistent.

“I have to manage my time well and I make sure that I don’t arrive late when delivering orders that come my way.”

She thanked her mother, Taina Ravutu who used to run a travel agency in Suva. Her mother mentored her and also introduced her to flower arrangement when she was still young.

“This pandemic is a blessing for me and

I just stay at home, people call or put their orders through Messenger.”

Ms Ravutu said it was important to be disciplined and maintain a standard of service delivery to her customers.