Florist Vani to Celebrate Mother’s Day With Family
For the past 20 years, running a flower business to support her children’s education needs is a task Vani Ralolokula excelled well.
From Vugalei in the province of Tailevu, the 59-year-old has been selling flowers to support her family.
She said the flower business has helped pay for her children’s school fees and stationary back in the days before education was free.
“I would sell flowers by the roadside of the village and would earn between $60 - $170 per week depending on the orders placed,” she said.
“Being a mom of seven children, it was my job to provide for them and selling flowers was the best way for me.”
Mrs Ralolokula learnt about running a flower business from Ever green floral culture in Tailevu.
She said one of the senior pastor’s wives would encourage the women to venture into flower business.
“This was when I started getting interested in planting flowers to sell by the roadside,” she said.
Earnings from selling flowers had helped her set up a bakery business in the village.
However, after the machine broke down, the spare part to fix the machine was not available locally.
“So, I had to stop the bakery business and continue with the flower business.”
Mrs Ralolokula is a grandmother to 20 grandchildren whom she plans to celebrate Mother’s Day.
She will be visiting her 80 year – old mother in Namadi Heights to celebrate Mother’s Day.
“This may be the last Mother’s Day I will spend with my mother so I will spend the day with her and thank her for everything she has done for me throughout the years.
“I will cook my mother’s favorite food and we will celebrate together.”
Mrs Ralolokula is the second eldest of seven siblings.