Affordable pastries and lunches
IN the busy city of Suva, Silina Vesi emerges as a successful businesswoman selling pastries and food in the Suva Municipal Market.
The 36-year-old who is originally from Kadavu with maternal links to Lomaitiviti, is a wife and mother to her only son.
To Ms Vesi, selling food was nothing new since she grew up witnessing her mother sell at her stall in the Suva Municipal Market.
"Growing up I witnessed my mum's dedication in preparing pastries and meals to sell in the market," Ms Vesi explained.
"At that time, we were able to cook, so we would sell barbecue and warm meals. Now, we can only cook and prepare from home before coming to sell.
However, upon the unexpected passing of Ms Vesi's mother in 2022, she was compelled to look after her mother's business.
Residing in Cunningham, her business consists of workers who work tirelessly to meet the demands of the people and make profit.
Her stall is open 24/7 while she has workers who alternate shifts between day and night, the cooks behind the delicious pies and cakes work around the clock to time the hungry citizens in the early morning.
The stall serves different kinds of people with various backgrounds irrespective of color or disabilities.
"We serve everyone, our services are not limited to anyone. Beggars come and enjoy a cup of coffee, those coming back from a night out sober up with our meals and workers who race with time stop by for a quick breakfast. Their food stall is not only set apart by the vibrant hues of pies and lucrative lunch, but also their radiant smiles and cheerful spirits that adds a depth to their services.
Ms Vesi's business has served as a source of living for not only her family, but also those who work for her.
The price of her food is affordable, pies ranging from a dollar to pre-packed lunches as cheap as $2.
With her kind heart, she says that she does this so everyone can enjoy the food she sells and cooked by her hardworking chefs.
"I price pre-packed lunches at $2 and $2.50 because there are kids who stop by in the morning looking for lunch.
So as a mother, I feel the need to make life easier and make food affordable to them.
Working in her stall with the help of her son, Ms Vesi highlighted the need for people to be resilient and to look beyond the narrative that success can only be achieved if you have a white-collar job.
"Don't lose hope and try to get back up when life knocks you down. There are a lot of opportunities available that you can capitalise on to make a living.
While being self-employed and working for your own self is beneficial, Ms Vesi expressed with the increase in cost of living her profit margin is affected.
Not letting that discourage her, Ms Vesi jokingly said that she must buy new teacups as she does every other week since many have a habit of not returning it.
So if you're looking for something to munch on that's also affordable, stop by at Ms Vesi's stall (4) for a delicious treat.