Bola beats adversity
A PANDANUS mat (ibe) — is an important fixture at every occasion and for traditional Fijian functions.
Woven from dried pandanus leaves, mats are used in every day life, exchanged, given, and used in ritual and ceremonial contexts, and may be considered to embody the qualities, skills, knowledge and labour of women.
One woman who embodies such qualities is Kelera Bola, a 51-year-old entrepreneur originally from Nativi in Ra and a resident of Suva. She has carved out a thriving business niche from the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
When she was laid off work because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she turned adversity into opportunity by leveraging her traditional Fijian heritage to start two successful ventures: a Fijian ibe-selling business and a unique pot-plant enterprise.
“When I was laid off work during the pandemic, I decided to venture into the mat-selling business,” Ms Bola said.
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Drawing from her roots and cultural heritage, Ms Bola ventured into her new-found business with vigour and confident determination.
With Fiji’s vibrant cultural landscape, mats are integral to various traditional functions, and these ensure a steady demand for her products.
Despite operating from her home at Nabua in Suva, her customer base extends far beyond Fiji’s borders, attracting clientele from overseas as well.
“I have always had a passion for weaving mats, but because of my work, I had no time to do it,” she says.
Before the pandemic, she had dedicated nine years of her life working with AUSAID, showcasing her commitment to community development.
However, the pandemic abruptly altered her career trajectory, leading her to explore alternative avenues to sustain herself and her family.
Although offered the opportunity to return to her former job post-pandemic, she made a decisive choice to pursue entrepreneurship full-time.
The financial rewards and personal fulfilment derived from her business ventures outweighed the security of traditional employment.
“I was called to return to work after the pandemic, but I decided not to because the money I earn from my business is more rewarding.”
In addition to her mat business, Ms Bola has demonstrated her creativity by repurposing plastic bottles into uniquely designed flowerpots.
This innovative twist not only adds an eco-friendly element to her business but also appeals to environmentally-conscious consumers.
“I cut out these empty juice bottles and paint them so I can use them as flowerpots. I decided to add them to my business, and it’s going well too.”
Ms Bola’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Through her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication, she has not only overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic but also flourished, contributing to the preservation of Fijian culture and environmental sustainability through her innovative ventures.