Go a step further and try something new
LIKE other market vendors, Siteri Tuicoco tries to make ends meet by selling ivi or Tahitian chestnut at the corner of a fast food restaurant in Sigatoka.
For three years, Ms Tuicoco has been selling all sorts of seasonal produce.
The money she rakes in is used to purchase her weekly groceries and also contribute to her village soli.
“When I leave home, I make sure everything is sorted before I come to sell,” she said.
“I do enjoy what I do because for one, I have to keep myself occupied. What better way to do this then to sell seasonal foods with my friends. It’s good and easy money which is enough to cater for a few of my family’s needs.”
The 53-year-old says busy days are usually from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
“The best part of the day is about meeting my customers,” Mrs Tuicoco said.
“I get to meet people from all walks of life.
Living in a small town, almost everyone knows everyone here so it’s easy to get along with people.
Everyday I bring one bucket of fill about 30 bags.
One bag costs three dollars. On a good day alone, the money I could make is about $90 - $100.
I’m my own boss and I decide when I ivi and start and when I go home — this is one of the advantages of having your own small business.”
Her advise to those who are looking for ways to earn some money is to make that extra effort to go out and get what you want.
“I know there are still a lot of job opportunities out there which people could take advantage of,” she said.
“Go a step further and try out something new. Once you do, keep moving forward.”
Mrs Tuicoco is from Navutu Village in Sigatoka and has four children and three grandchildren.