Tailor thankful to do business with Govt grant
“SEWING has always been something that my heart was into and I started learning this skill at quite a young age and continued building on it.” Maca Likutabua, 68, has made a living through her favorite hobby- sewing and has been selling at the Flea Market for the past 10 years.
“As a small business owner, I used to do sewing, make salusalu and do baking while selling these items from home,” Mrs Likutabua highlighted.
“I initially started with one stall but by the help of the Government grant, I was able to get two stalls – one for my handicrafts and another for my tailoring,” she explained.
“I was able to get another Government assistance and managed to get two of my workers to work at the handicraft stall while I worked on my tailoring.”
“It helped me to look after my children and grandchildren, however, the biggest challenge I faced was during the COVID-19 pandemic as I had to close shop and I started tailoring from home,” she added.
Mrs Likutabua was grateful to get some small orders online from her customers where she was able to make some money operating from home.
“The sale was down when we re-opened for business after the pandemic and I had to let go of one of my stalls and staff as I couldn’t afford to pay the rent and income,” she said.
“However, I managed to help one of my workers to get a stall here so she can start with her business instead of working for someone as she is the only breadwinner with children in the family.”
She said that all her children are married and she lives with her husband, daughter and her five grandchildren.
“I was very passionate about sewing from childhood and growing up I learned more from school and started sewing my siblings’ school uniforms as well,” Mrs Likutabua recalls.
“As for my handicraft business, my main product is the salusalu, sisi masi, vau (masi) and the fresh sisi na lakeba (garland from Lakeba), which are the special ones. I get the supplies and do my own.”
Mrs Likutabua said that when she received the grant money, she bought her supplies from the island and paid those who made the mats, masi and other products.
“We have to be very serious when you get into business because most of the time when we get the money which should specifically be used in the business is being used somewhere else,” she said.
“Those entrepreneurs getting government grants should use their money wisely because out of thousands of people who applied, they are lucky to be selected for it.”
“Therefore, I would like to thank the Government for selecting me and giving me this opportunity to not only support but grow my business,” she acknowledged.