Laucala Island on Entrepreneur’s Bucketlist
If resilience were a person, his name would be Aisea Tamanikaiwaimaro. He owns and operates a building design business called Flourishing Design Studio (FDS).
But nothing was served on a silver spoon for Mr Tamanikaiwaimaro.
“I stayed in the streets for a while as a shoeshine boy, then moved from house to house with relatives,” he said.
A change in luck, and introduction to what he calls his guardians prompted him to further his education, with a new and a more lucid focus.
“Three years later, I graduated from the Fiji National University with a diploma in Architecture.
“I started working in an architecture company in Suva until I decided to become an entrepreneur as it has always been my dream.
He said he was a big believer in giving back to the community, and helping less fortunate students and children through education or sports.
His company, more popularly known as
FDS went on to sponsor the following sporting teams:
■Tai●evu Under 19 2020
■FDS Barbarian Brothers in 2020 (rugby)
■FDS Barbarian Sisters’ (netball)
■FDS Delainavesi Volleyball Association 2021.
“If a street kid like me from Lautoka can make it this far, I believe anyone can,” he said.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy drawing and cooking.
How many places in Fiji have you been to?
There are too many to count.
My parents were always moving due to work, so we also got to have a lot of sightseeing from Vanua Levu, Viti Levu to Taveuni.
What is the one place in Fiji you would take every visitor to, and why?
The Colo-i-Suva pools in Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, and the Pacific Harbour area for picnics.
Vuda for beautiful hill views, or better yet, take them to Savusavu, the original hidden paradise of Fiji.
To add to the list would be Labasa and Leleuvia Island Resort.
Leleuvia Island Resort is far from the city, but it overlooks my village in Tailevu, Bau Island, and Moturiki Island.
What is your favourite spot for a pie/coffee?
My favourite spot for coffee in Suva is Mana coffee shop, formerly known as Weta Coffee (Fiji). It is located in Disraeli Road.
There is something about the environment and its interior design.
It is open and feels free.
What is your favourite secret backyard spot, and why?
The Rainforest Eco Resort in Colo-i-Suva. It presents an alluring tranquility.
The river views and fish feeding are add ons to the visit.
Whenever I have a stressful day, you can always find me there with my children.
What is the one or two spots in Fiji on top of your bucketlist?
Yasawa Islands and Laucala Island.
I have only seen the pictures on the internet of the two places.
Some of my friends have also worked
there.
The tales they tell about its beauty makes me eager to visit when the country is COVID free, and travelling is allowed.
Once all is settled, I will tick it bucketlist. off my