Retiree works hard to keep business afloat
KAMLESH Lata is a retiree who has been running her roadside business for four years.
During the height of COVID restrictions this year, the businesswoman said her business was drastically impacted.
She said during COVID, business was really down. However, prior to COVID, she had bought stock worth $3000 to $4000.
Ms Lata added these new stocks included shoes, earrings and clothes which she was selling by the roadside stall.
“My main aim is to survive,” she said. “I am retired. I am 61 years and I am still going strong with the business.
“I want to have something on my own, as I don’t want to be dependent on the government.”
Ms Lata added she didn’t want to rely on social welfare as she did not have that mentality and advised people to at least do something in their life to earn a living.
“At my age, I’m struggling hard to do this, this is my passion and I am getting a little bit of money.”
Before retiring, Ms Lata had spent 29 years in the retail industry.
The 61-year-old lives in Nasasa and every day, with the help of her husband, she comes into Navua town to set up her stall.
Ms Lata said she had a variety of shoes for men, women and children, which included slippers and converse.
“Because in Navua people are not too keen on wearing high heels and all those, they go for slip-on and converse. Those are my priorities.
“And I’m selling branded earrings and on normal days I sell caps, socks and other accessories such as everyday usable items, which also include handbags.”
Before COVID, she said she would come to sell her products for four or five days.
Unfortunately, now she would come once a week if she finds a suitable place to set up her stall, earning $100 at most in a day.
“If I’m given a permanent place, I will look into considering working, but other than that, I don’t think so.”
Ms Lata was pleading with the Navua Town Council to be given a space where she could sell her products.
She said to open a shop in Navua was very costly as the rent was very expensive.