Seru enjoys the fruits of her labour
UTILISING her knowledge in business and love for culinary, Seru Daucakacaka embarked on a journey nearly a decade ago at the age 46.
Now at 53, Ms Daucakacaka is a familiar face in front of the Suva Municipal Market selling Fijian pastries and classic desserts along the corridors.
Originally from Oneata in Lau, with maternal links to Ono-i-Lau, she is a wife, a mother, and a grandmother to her five grandchildren.
Before foraying into the world of gastronomy, she worked in sales for a shoe shop (Lako tu) and was a manager before her colleague convinced her to try out this business.
Having to take care of eight children required a lot of attention and financial support that Ms Daucakacaka felt she wasn't receiving during during her time as a sales manager at the shoe shop. "I began from scratch, I did not have any starting capital whatsoever, I had to make do with what I had," Ms Daucakacaka said.
She started off selling cooked cassava and saw immediate growth in her finances. Then, she used the money earned from her sales to expand her business adding bila, vakalolo, uto, pies, babakau, pancakes, and banana cakes.
"I purchase all my pastries and desserts from my suppliers, but with the simple things like boiled cassava I do that myself.
Having lived in Tailevu before, Ms Vesi would journey in the early hours of the morning to avoid traffic and time the workers at around 6am in the city.
"When I used to live in Tailevu, I would wake up at 4am and prepare for the journey to Suva. Sometimes I only get five hours of sleep, but in the food business you cannot afford to be lazy. She studied the market well and timed her business according to the algorithm of workers.
She quickly noted that business was at its peak during the festive seasons.
She also targets those that receive assistance from the government such as the $200 subsidy for students and during pay week for civil servants.
Because of the competition in the market, Ms Vesi works every day and has never closed her stall since.
"Most vendors and women in business only work a certain day, so to maximise on the number of customers I get I must work every day. When I am in a rhythm of buying, I purchase all the bila from competitors and sell it at a higher price, so I make more," she said.
"My children and grandchildren help me with the business, but I pay them so that they understand the value of money.
"It is important for my children and grandchildren to be independent and to obtain financial literacy.
With her wealth of knowledge and seasoned expertise, the business has become a source of living for the family.
During COVID, business was at its peak for Ms Daucakacaka.
The lack of competition due to movement restrictions boosted her profits and enabled her to cash out a family car as soon as COVID restrictions were lifted.
"I had people who helped me with my supplies, exchange of goods would occur at the border, and I would come and sell."
Looking into the future, Ms Daucakacaka plans to buy her own home and further expand her business.
Her story is one of hard work and diligence. Despite her circumstances, she was not discouraged and is now witnessing the fruits of her labour.