Milika weaves her way through
MILIKA Baikeirawa, a 54 year old entrepreneur from Daku in Tailevu, has weaved a path to success through a deep-rooted investment in her culture and unwavering determination.
With a radiant smile, she proudly declares she’s blessed to have a stall at the Nausori Market.
Ms Baikeirawa, a mother-offour and grandmother-of-two, has been running a handicraft stall at the market for more than five years.
“Before this, I was a school secretary at Sawani District school,” she says.
“Now, I sell all Fijian items like ibe (mats), tabua (whale’s teeth) and salusalu (garlands) for all occasions.
“And not forgetting the iri buli (printed hand fans) that my village is well known for.”
Ms Baikerawa says her business is a result of how she turned her struggles into success.
“You know starting a business is not easy, you have to give up your time and energy,” she says.
She attributes her success to her faith in God and her family support.
“All throughout I have been blessed to have had that family support.
“When I started out, we were given loans by the SPBD (South Pacific Business Development), so I would like to thank SPBD for being there with us.
“It was always my dream to start a business like this after watching my mother weave her iri and my father bringing them to the market to sell.
“Many times I felt bad for women who sold the same iri, they often had to bargain to up the price to make a living.”
Ms Baikeirawa says the time and sweat put into such a masterpiece of art must have been worth more than a few dollars.
It was then that her passion to pursue such a business deepened, to raise the bar so that women could be offered the price they deserved.
“For me now, my business has served as a support for the people of my community. Now, these women don’t have to come all the way from their homes, I just buy their iri for a reasonable price and showcase them here to interested buyers,” she says.
It is even more ideal for Ms Baikeirawa, as she is married in Sawani, a place where it is taboo to weave iri.
Ms Baikeirawa has also expanded her business into the transport sector.
“I have employed one of my children to manage my new business, the taxi service.
“The challenges I faced were financial. I didn’t have the finance to start this business, but luckily we had the SPBD and I am ever so grateful they came into our lives.
“And also there’s that fund by the Fiji Development Bank aimed at empowering women. It has helped me and helped others.”
She says her business, while steady and firm, doesn’t always meet the daily demands and usually picks up towards important occasions or events often held around the end of the year, but her the expansion has provided her a seconded stream of revenue.
Despite encountering financial constraints and fluctuating demand, Ms Baikeirawa remains steadfast in her pursuit of success.
Her story is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and hard work, serving as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs.
As she looks to the future, she encourages young people to chase their dreams with determination.
Ms Baikeirawa’s journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream.
“When God is there, anything is possible,” she adds.