Turn tragedy into treasure
DESPITE the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Aminiasi Tuimaba was inspired to turn adversity into an entrepreneurial opportunity.
The 32-year-old established his thriving business called Yalovata Technician, dedicating his time to fixing refrigerators, gas stoves, washing machines and even servicing air conditioners.
Originally from Macuata in Vanua Levu with maternal links to Yasawa, Aminiasi is married and has four beautiful children.
Growing up, he lived in various parts of Fiji; his father, a pastor, would be sent on missions, so they would move often.
He attended Dreketi High School till Form six and had a gap year when he was farming in 2010.
Then in 2012, he went to Lautoka where he furthered his education at the Fiji National University studying a seven-month course on refrigeration and air conditioning.
After completing his one year as a practical student, he travelled to Suva in 2013 to work and gain experience.
Then he sought the opportunity to work in Lautoka at Technicool Air Conditioning and was employed at Lomani Island Resort before returning to Suva in 2017 when he worked for Courts.
While working in 2019, he joined the Australian Pacific Coalition Training to gain more knowledge and elevate his level of education.
In 2020, the pandemic forced everyone, including Aminiasi, to stay home and live within their means.
“When the pandemic happened, I had a few clients who had issues with their appliances, so I had to go to them and fix their problem,” he said.
“It was during that time that I realised the potential of my skills.”
Soon the demand for his services grew and Aminiasi decided to establish his own business.
“At first business was slow, so we had to wait and during that time with the lockdown, it was difficult moving around.
“I had customers who lived all the way in Nausori and Navua, so I would contact my friends who were also technicians living within the area to attend to them.”
As the need for repairs grew, Aminiasi was overwhelmed with clients as word of mouth spread about his magical touch.
Yalovata Technician was named after the unity he saw in his fellow technicians who came together to be a part of his work and vision.
Now he works and focuses on his business full-time with his friend who was his student back in Courts. They plan to conduct a round-theisland trip every month to render their services.
Aminiasi encourages young people who have plans to start their business to be faithful and to gain experience that will help them build a better portfolio.
His business website can be found on Facebook called Yalovata Technicians.
The dry weather is getting worse every year. Some animals can’t walk far because they are too weak
– Dr Mahendra Reddy