Love and lots of colours
Yunus sells flowers to earn a living
THEY say that flowers soothe the soul and give a feeling like no other. It is probably the reason why flower arrangements are used to offer condolences to grieving families or celebrate milestones and achievements.
This is what 46-year-old Moreen Yunus believes as she tends to her flowers on a daily basis at her home in Olosara, Sigatoka.
Ms Yunus has been planting flowers since a very young age and admits it has brought joy to her life.
“It has transformed me to another world where there is only beauty, love and lots of colours,” said the avid flower lady.
Brought up in Sigatoka with her siblings, life was particularly tough on her family as her parents struggled to make ends meet. Witnessing those struggles, Ms Yunus made it her life decision to work hard and become independent.
“I knew I had to do something to help my parents out.
“So, before and after school, I would walk around the neighbors houses and admire the flowers in their gardens.
“That was when my interest grew. I started asking my neighbours for flower cuttings so I could plant them at home.
“As soon as my first flowers bloomed, I knew I had to increase my collection of flowers and plants, and that is exactly what I did.”
More than two decades later, Ms Yunus now has more than a hundred varieties of flowers in her nursery and compound.
“I am proud to say that I am now an entrepreneur because I have been making a living selling flowers.”
Initially, Ms Yunus sold her cuttings at $2 per plant, and then started buying other plants and flowers she did not have.
“It was more of a barter system when I first began and my collection of flowers and plants grew from there.
“I worked tirelessly even when I started my own family, and I am so grateful and blessed that my late husband knew the passion I have for plants and flowers.”
The mother of three lost her husband five years ago and says that being surrounded by her flowers has helped in her journey to full recovery.
“The loss was sudden and I am still trying to get over the pain, but being surrounded by my plants and flowers has been therapeutic.
“This is why I always say that flowers are a natural remedy to pain and heartache.
“I feel transformed when working in my nursery and this has helped me recover day by day.”
Not only is she passionate, she is also financially achieving her goals. She can earn up to a $1000 just from selling on a good day.
“Flowers are a growing industry and I assure you that you will never regret it once you start earning.
“I have plans of expanding further and introducing more plants and flowers to my collection. If you are interested or would like advice on how to start your own flower business, please reach out to me and I will be happy to assist.”
Ms Yunus was fortunate to receive an extended hand from the Agriculture Ministry as they provided her with materials for a nursery that now houses varieties of anthuriums and orchids.
“I had to build a nursery behind my house to cater for my plants and this was a requirement from the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji as well.
“I am also importing flowers from Thailand and Holland. I make sure I buy only the best flowers and plants in order to produce the best.
“The support has been amazing and I am grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture for advising and assisting me during my challenging days.”
Ms Yunus says most of her customers are from Suva, and business has been thriving ever since she started transporting her flowers and plants to the ROC markets.
The ministry hopes more people will venture into businesses like this because it will assist in reducing poverty and securing better livelihoods for families in Fiji.
Ms Yunus is a living testament to this.