Maciu’s scented dream
IT was during serving on peacekeeping duties abroad, that former soldier Maciu Uluiviti tapped into the niche local fragrance industry.
Mr Uluiviti hails from Koro Island and attended various schools including Baulevu High in Naitasiri and Nabua Secondary School.
“I stayed with relatives and it was very difficult. Back then irregular boat trips were another problem, and so all of these led me to end my formal education at Form 3,” he said.
“I went back to the village and helped my family farm in the mountains of Koro Island.”.
The decision to join the military came during the political upheaval of 1987, when a mass recruitment drive was organised by government to double the military’s strength.
A young Uluiviti found himself joining the army as a 17-year-old. “Lucky they chose me at that age, at 17. I quickly gained skills and knowledge at such a young age and it prepared me for life.”
Later, his career choice eventually lead him to the Middle East. After eight tours of duty in the war-torn region, Mr Uluiviti gained diverse work experiences, primarily in administration, finance, and logistics.
It was around this time that the seeds of his entrepreneurial venture were sown. “I knew nothing at all about managing finances but when I became a logistics officer, I learnt the skills required for a business.”
During his last tour, between 2014 and 2015, Mr Uluiviti applied that his wife, Salanieta Uluiviti, visit him in Israel.
The couple travelled across Israel, Syria, and other areas. Salanieta’s fascination with perfumes sold at these places sparked the idea of starting a perfume business.
“The perfumery business was already popular in Fiji. Thirty plus women would sit all the way from the market to MHCC, selling perfume,” said Mr Uluiviti.
“So after my deployment, I thought really hard about this business.
“I worked everything out, the finances, the expense, the profits, things like that and saw the potential in it.”
After returning to Fiji, Mr Uluiviti. He opened his first shop space inside another shop. Later he found space at MHCC, and with the support of a business associate, Mr Uluiviti’s confidence in the venture grew.
“It was there and then that I opened my eyes. The profit I made after moving to MHCC had multiplied ten-fold and it wasn’t long that I began to think of expanding.”
As business grew, he set-up other outlets in Nadi, Lautoka, and Tamavua, putting to good use his experience in managing resources, logistics and finances.
Looking ahead, Mr Uluiviti hopes to further diversify his business by introducing additional products such as body lotions and shampoos.
His commitment to learning and evolving is evident as he prepares to attend a factory training in April to deepen his understanding of perfume manufacturing.
In the world of entrepreneurship, Mr Uluiviti’s journey stands as a testament to those pursuing their business dreams.
From military service to fragrance success, his aromatic trail is motivating other entrepreneurs in Fiji.
“Know the season and be prepared, for success can be found in the plainest places,” he said.
The perfumery business was already popular in Fiji. Thirty plus women would sit all the way from the market to MHCC, selling perfume
– Maciu Uluiviti –