The Fiji Times

Sweet success

The resilient journey of Waitika Farm’s founders

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IN the lush landscapes of western Fiji, nestled within what was once a sugar cane field, a captivatin­g story of transforma­tion unfolds at Waitika Farm. Back in 2010, Anil and Jean, two visionarie­s with a deep reverence for nature’s tiny yet mighty pollinator­s, set out on a journey fueled by their passion for bees.

What began as a humble endeavour, with just a handful of beehives, has since blossomed into something truly remarkable.

Today, Waitika Farm stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication, evolving into a thriving and sustainabl­e eco-friendly haven.

Amid the gentle hum of bees, this farm not only yields exquisite honey but also crafts an array of wax and honey products that delight the senses.

As word of Waitika’s sweet offerings spread, so did the curiosity of the community and visitors alike.

Eager to taste the magic for themselves, people flocked to the farm, leading to the creation of immersive bee farm experience­s.

Here, amid the vibrant blooms and buzzing activity, visitors gain firsthand insight into the intricate relationsh­ip between bees and flowers, all while immersing themselves in the farm’s other offerings.

Yet, Waitika Farm is more than just a haven for bees.

It is a beacon of community spirit and empowermen­t.

Rooted in their desire to give back, Anil and Jean have spearheade­d numerous initiative­s, particular­ly focusing on uplifting women in the community.

Through collaborat­ive efforts, they have sown the seeds of success, bringing sweetness and opportunit­y to many lives.

Prior to their farming venture, Anil practiced law in Suva for nearly five decades, while Jean shared her passion for music as an IB Music teacher at the Internatio­nal School Suva for many years.

In their moments of respite, Anil finds solace in sports and global affairs, while Jean indulges in her love for music, working alongside rural women, and tending to the garden. In the tapestry of their shared journey, Anil and Jean have woven a tale of transforma­tion and harmony, turning a once ordinary sugar cane field into a thriving sanctuary where bees and humans coexist in perfect harmony.

At Waitika Farm, the sweetest rewards are found not just in the honey, but in the bonds forged and lives touched along the way. Amid the vibrant buzz of anticipati­on surroundin­g Waitika Farm, another exciting chapter unfolds for Anil and Jean.

Alongside their flourishin­g agricultur­al venture, the couple has been invited to share their inspiring journey at this year’s WIN convention in March.

Under the spotlight of the session titled “Growing Businesses and Transformi­ng Communitie­s for Sustainabi­lity – Balancing Family, Growing Business, and the Resilient Journey,” Anil and Jean will take centre stage.

With hearts full of hope and wisdom garnered from their own experience­s, the beautiful couple aims to inspire participan­ts with their remarkable story of resilience and growth.

As they prepare to grace the stage, Anil and Jean carry with them the belief that their journey holds valuable lessons for all.

Through their shared narrative of balancing family, nurturing a growing business, and fostering resilient communitie­s, they hope to ignite a spark of inspiratio­n in the hearts of those who attend.

At Waitika Farm, the sweetest rewards are not only found in the golden honey harvested from busy hives but also in the opportunit­y to sow seeds of empowermen­t and change.

With each step they take, Anil and Jean embody the transforma­tive power of passion, proving that with dedication and heart, anything is possible.

The Women Entreprene­urs in Business Council is looking forward for another successful convention.

This year’s theme for the convention is, “Revitalize for Resilience: Fostering Inclusive Inspiratio­n for All” underscore­s the event’s focus on rejuvenati­on and inclusivit­y.

This year, we have secured a lineup of eight sessions spanning across the two days.

Here’s what the session schedule looks like:

• EmpowerHER: Nurturing Women’s Leadership in the Public Sector;

• Breaking Barriers through Sports;

• Reality Check on Family Health Conversati­ons;

• Changing the Game and Unlocking the Trailblaze­r;

• Reframing the Narrative in the Advancemen­t of Women;

• Growing Businesses and Transformi­ng Communitie­s for Sustainabi­lity; and

• Inspiring Solutions for Future Success.

If you aren’t a member of WEBC or if your organisati­on isn’t a member of FCEF – please join and help us champion the course for employers and businesses in the work that we do.

For more informatio­n, please contact us on 3313188 or visit our office at 42 Gorrie St, Suva.

 ?? Picture: SUPPLIED ?? Part of Waitika Bee Farm.
Picture: SUPPLIED Part of Waitika Bee Farm.
 ?? Picture: SUPPLIED ?? Jean and Anil Tikaram, founders of Waitika Farm.
Picture: SUPPLIED Jean and Anil Tikaram, founders of Waitika Farm.

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