A life of purpose for florist
SELLING flowers at the Suva Municipal Market daily, makes Rigieta Takayawa no stranger to most. The 45-year-old has been a florist for 15 years and said it has been a colourful journey.
Ms Takayawa gets her supplies of flowers from villages in Naitasiri every Saturdays to last her a whole week.
"I could spend about $200 to $400 every Saturday on my flower orders, and upon selling them I could make twice or triple the amount that I bought it for," she said.
"The life of a market vendor is not an easy one as you must be committed to what you do."
Ms Takayawa wakes up early each morning to gather her fresh blooms she gets from suppliers, carefully selecting the most vibrant and beautiful flowers to display at her stall.
Despite the early hours and physical demands of her work, she does so with a smile, knowing that each sale brings her one step closer to providing for her family.
"Waking up early and making my way to the market to arrange my flowers and prepare other things for the day, isn't an easy task.
Sometimes when it gets really cold and during rainy weather - I have to struggle to make it to the market just to get through the day."
One of the greatest challenges Ms Takayawa has faced in her years as a market vendor is the fluctuating number of customers.
Some days, the market is bustling with people eager to purchase her flowers, while other days are slow and sales are scarce.
"There are times when we would get only a few customer in a week, but this does not discourage us as we still make our sales.
"I am thankful to my loyal customers who have helped my business grow in the past years. I thank them for their support towards my flower business," she said.
During these tough times, Ms Takayawa's resilience shines through as she remains steadfast in her commitment to her work. She knows that persistence is key in overcoming any obstacle that comes her way.
In addition to the challenges of running her business, Ms Takayawa also shoulders the responsibilities of being a single mother.
She is not only the provider for her family but also the primary caregiver for her children.
Balancing work and family is no easy feat, but Ms Takayawa manages to do so with unwavering dedication and love for her children.
Another challenge she faces on a daily basis is the competition around her at the Suva Municipal Market as she is not the only one that sells these flowers.
"I am surrounded by other women who also rely on this business for survival. This is an everyday challenge as we're all trying to sell our flowers and customers will choose who they want to buy from," she said.
Despite the hurdles, Ms Takayawa remains a dedicated and hardworking mother.
She instills values of resilience and perseverance in her children, teaching them the importance of hard work and determination in the face of adversity.
Her children look up to her as a role model, knowing that their mother's strength and courage will guide them through life's challenges.
Her eldest daughter once told her mother that she would like to pursue her own path venturing into the florist line of work - as she will earn more money than she could earn in a week from her previous employer.
Ms Takayawa's journey as a single mother and market vendor is a story of resilience, dedication, and unwavering strength. Through years of hard work and perseverance, she has overcome numerous challenges and continues to provide for her family with love and determination.
She urges women who are stay-at-home mothers, to be creative and to make use of the flowers around their house.
"Women can make money from whatever is growing beside their house. It is all about hard-work,: she said.
Ms Takayawa is not just a vendor selling flowers at the Suva Municipal Market; she is a symbol of hope and inspiration for her children and all who know her story.