Fiji Sun

Chef Reddy Supports Children Despite Challenges

- LAISEANA NASIGA Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj

After being left jobless for two years because of the pandemic, Komal Reddy is not giving up on providing for her children.

Ms Reddy is a single mom of two who was a chef for eight years at a resort.

She was out of work as the resort she worked at was temporaril­y closed because of the pandemic.

“I then started using my cooking skills to make food packs that I could sell and earn some money,” she said.

“Other people would hire me to be their chef when they have events or functions happening. These were just some of the ways I was able to support my family.”

Upskilling

The 30 year – old has also been learning to sew and make jewelry to add one to the list of things to sell.

From being trained to being a chef, she is now undergoing training to become an entreprene­ur.

“The pandemic has really taught me a lesson about the benefits of running your own business.

“I am learning to sew and make jewelry and other art pieces that I am able to sell and make money because kids need more things than I do.

“When my kids want something, I would be able to buy them with money from selling jewelry.”

While living in New Town, Ms Reddy was struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic period.

Even though her brother supported them both, being able to become an income contributo­r was important for Ms Reddy.

“I wanted to show my family that I am able to provide for my family even through my raising my kids alone.

“I have been looked down upon by other people so I want to prove to them that I can still provide for my kids.”

As families celebrate Mother’s Day, Ms Reddy says there is no love like a mother.

“Every day is Mother’s Day because they do so much in taking care of the family.”

Ms Reddy will be spending Mother’s Day with her family.

 ?? Photo: Laiseana Nasiga ?? Komal Reddy holding a flower vase made out of food packets.
Photo: Laiseana Nasiga Komal Reddy holding a flower vase made out of food packets.
 ?? Photo: Laiseana Nasiga ?? Komal Reddy with her apron and other items she had sewn.
Photo: Laiseana Nasiga Komal Reddy with her apron and other items she had sewn.

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