BE CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
Mere ventures into home-based business
MERE Tinairogo was nine months pregnant with her second child when she and hundreds of hotel workers in Nadi lost their jobs after international borders closed because of COVID-19 last year.
“The advantage I had was that I was on maternity leave when the pandemic struck, and I was getting paid,” the single mother said.
“My other workmates were sent on leave without pay.”
Jobless after the birth of her second child, she knew that she had to find a way to put food on the table for her two children when the second wave of COVID-19 struck this year.
“I knew what was ahead of me, but I am someone who always believes and has complete faith in God.
“First of all, I didn’t ask Him to make things easy for me, but I prayed that I am given the wisdom and confidence to face the pandemic.”
Ms Tinairogo said her life had never been a bed of roses, but she had witnessed and experienced divine intervention throughout her journey.
“From when I grew up in the village, through school and right through to when I graduated from the University of the South Pacific to when I got my first pay cheque, God has never abandoned me.”
She said even after the second wave of the pandemic, she continued to experience the hand of God at work in her life.
“I have never run out of money, even if what I received was not as much as when I was working in tourism.
“One thing I have learned from this pandemic is to be content with the little I have and to live within my means.
Ms Tinairogo set aside some funds and started a small business which she operated from her home in Davuilevu to sustain them during the pandemic.
“I have established Beatitude Beauty — online clothing and hair braiding business.
“My parents were hardworking people, and they taught us to be independent.
“So when the pandemic struck, I knew what to do. First, I prayed and asked God for wisdom and strength and everything else just flowed from there.
“My two children give me the motivation to continue to push on during this pandemic. I am so blessed that we are spending it together and at the same time running my business.
Ms Tinairogo said while many were being over-cautious, she believed the pandemic should be used as a time for people to venture into home-based businesses.
“This is the best time to grab any opportunity you find to start a small business.