Stall owner acknowledges second chance at business
THE Fiji Government’s COVID-19 Concessional Loan Packages for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has given me a second chance in doing business.
This was highlighted by grant recipient, Birisita Rokobuli, of Lagikali’s Variety who said that her stall at the Suva Flea Market was burnt during a fire that destroyed the Value City Complex in 2020.
It was estimated that about half a million dollars’ worth of handicrafts and clothing items were destroyed in the blaze.
“Following this, I applied for the Government grant and received $7,000 which assisted me in building up my business again by buying handicraft stocks,” Mrs Rokobuli explained.
“Now based at the South Mall of the Flea Market, I sell handicrafts, mats, masi, garlands, baskets and different kinds of fans from stall 73.”
“I started my business in 2017 and I usually buy the stocks for my stall from a supplier and then sell it,” she added.
The 40-year-old who resides in Tamavua said that business was a little slow so she waits for the seller to come to her when she requires the items.
“I don’t really have a fixed customer base and usually get walk-in customers who need things for weddings, birthdays, funerals or any other special occasions,” she said.
“I would like to thank the Government for assisting me in rebuilding my business through the COVID-19 Concessional Loan Packages which gave me the opportunity to continue earning an income when I thought situations were dire for me.”
“I have three children and my husband has been very supportive since my stall burnt down,” she highlighted.
Mrs Rokobuli said that she was an ancillary staff for St Marcellin Primary School and she used to see people selling handicrafts at the ROC Market in Suva which gave her the idea to have her own stall.
“I soon started my own business and also started selling at the ROC Market, which is held every third Sunday of a month,” she said.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for vendors to make money as it is a very good market and we get to sell most of our items then.”
“Flea markets are filled with small businesses and most of the stall owners sell handicrafts, therefore, there is a lot of competition here,” she added.