A woman who means business
KETI Suliana Balenacagi, the proprietor of the bustling Kava Bar in Valelevu, Nasinu and the visionary behind Keti’s Catering Enterprise, has a story that encapsulates resilience and determination.
Born into a household marked by early responsibilities and familial bonds, Ms Balenacagi navigated the challenges of her upbringing with grace and fortitude.
As the eldest sibling in a household, she was a beneficiary of her mother Caroline Lanyon’s instilled legacy of dance and music. “My mother performed at the opening of the Opera House in Sydney,” Ms Balenacagi said proudly.
“So, she actually left a legacy that now defines our family.
“My daughter is a dancer and has joined various dancing groups like VOU and Rako.”
Despite facing societal pressures and early expectations of marriage, Ms Balenacagi remained steadfast in her pursuit of education and personal growth.
“I was actually engaged at 14 years old and married at 18.
“But back then it was socially acceptable, however, the guy I was engaged to was the boy next door.”
Her marriage was arranged by her parents with the only child of a family that lived next door.
“Over those four years, I actually learnt how life works, especially with my mother’s advice. One would say I grew up at a young age.”
Attending Naboro Primary School and later Dayanand Anglo Vedic Boys College (DAV Boys), she defied convention by becoming one of the first girls to enrol at DAV Boys.
Her determination to succeed propelled her into tertiary education where she pursued commercial studies and honed her entrepreneurial acumen.
During her school holidays, Ms Balenacagi immersed herself in the bustling atmosphere of her uncles’ businesses, learning the ropes of managing operations and understanding the intricacies of customer service.
“I learnt the value of money and how to manage finances by working for my uncles during the holidays.
“And I also learned how to arrange flowers and decorate from my aunts, which later became very useful in starting my catering business.”
These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her future ventures and instilled in her a deep appreciation for the value of hard work and dedication.
Upon entering adulthood, Ms Balenacagi ventured into the realms of entertainment and hospitality.
Drawing inspiration from her mother’s legacy as a talented dancer and singer, she explored her own musical talents, performing at various venues across Fiji. It was during this time that Ms Balenacagi’s entrepreneurial quest began to take shape as she delved into the world of catering and event decoration.
Despite starting small, her business quickly gained traction, attracting a loyal clientele and earning her a reputation for excellence in service and quality. In the early 2010s, she and her brother embarked on a groundbreaking venture that would revolutionise Fiji’s nightlife — the opening of their very own kava bar in Samabula.
Despite initial challenges, their kava bar attracted crowds of revellers eager to experience Fiji’s burgeoning kava culture.
“Back then, the only kava bar that existed was called Rabi Kava and while we expanded, we were the first people to start a kava barrel.”
As business flourished, Ms Balenacagi and her brother seized the opportunity to expand their operations, opening a second kava bar at Valelevu in Nasinu. It later became her own.
“We found this nice spot in Valelevu and because most of the customers who attended my brother’s kava bar in Samabula lived in this area. A lot of people began to show up. “
However, their success was not without its challenges as neighbouring businesses voiced concerns over the impact of people who smoked on their premises.
Undeterred, Ms Balenacagi seized the opportunity to transform the adjacent space into a smoking room, offering patrons a designated area to enjoy their kava.
“So, actually the person who owned the restaurant next to us, put that space up for sale and I bought it.”
Ms Balenacagi’s greatest challenge came in 2020 when she contracted COVID-19, leaving her hospitalised and unable to walk for weeks.
“Like everyone during the dark times of Covid, we faced what I believe to be the hardest part of our lives.”
Forced to close her businesses temporarily, Ms Balenacagi faced the daunting task of rebuilding her livelihood while grappling with the physical and emotional toll of the illness.
Through it all, Ms Balenacagi credits her unwavering support system of friends and family for helping her navigate through the darkest moments of her life.
Their love, encouragement and steadfast presence served as a beacon of hope during her darkest hours, reaffirming the importance of cherishing those closest to her.
Today, as she reflects on her journey, she is filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the resilience that carried her through.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Keep your friends and family close, for they will be your backbone when you need it most.”
Over those four years, I actually learnt how life works, especially with my mother’s advice. One would say I grew up at a young age
– Keti Suliana Balenacagi –