Determination pays off
Ema starts canteen business
AFTER she was laid off from work because of the COVID-19 outbreak, Ema Yalayala decided she would not let being unemployed determine the course of her life.
Growing up in Lautoka and witnessing how her parents struggled to bring up the family helped her to endure the challenge of losing her job. She used to work at the Octopus Resort and Blue Lagoon Resort in the Yasawa Group.
“After that I worked at Oasis Palm Hotel in Wailoaloa, Nadi,” the 38-year-old said. “Then I got laid off due to the pandemic in 2020. “It was not easy, as I had two daughters to look after.” She decided to move to her village of Narocake, Noco, in Rewa and with the help of her husband, Jo, decided to start a canteen business.
Ms Yalayala said through the business and with the assistance of family and friends, she had managed to get by one day at a time.
“We sell tuna, noodles, biscuits and snacks that most people buy every day. It was a challenge to start the business, but once I got started, I learnt how to maintain it and have managed to keep it alive.”
Ms Yalayala attended Lautoka Methodist Primary School for her primary education, and then went on to Central College in Lautoka for secondary studies.
“I never went to university or attended any tertiary education.
“I just applied for jobs in resorts and hotels and I was lucky enough to end up doing reservations work. I really enjoyed my work in the tourism industry.”
She said one of her hobbies was meeting people and the tourism industry provided a myriad of opportunities for her.
“That is why I did not hesitate when I was offered work in a hotel.”
Ms Yalayala said she had different experiences while working at the three hotels.
“While working at the hotel you meet tourists from different countries and they have different personalities.
“You have to meet their demands and also be professional at all times. As a hotel worker, we know that without visitors arriving into the country, we won’t be able to work, so we have to work very hard at making them happy.”
For the time being, Ms Yalayala said she was content with her small canteen business.
“I have learnt to trust in the Lord. When I was unemployed or when I am faced with anything, I just learnt to rely on the Lord.”