27-year-old opens own business
Jacqueline Tareguci says she has faced a lot of hardship but that has not stopped her from starting her own business.
Today, the 27-year-old owns a home-based business that specialises in Fijian handicrafts, particularly unique customized contemporary pieces using locally sourced materials.
Ms Tareguci said she faced her challenges by choosing to move on.
She said she decided to travel to Labasa to help with her rehabilitation and it was upon her return that she opened a business, something she had begun to love and cherish.
““I named my business The Journey and started selling my handicrafts online while blogging about my life,” she said.
Ms Tareguci said being a school dropout and unemployed with no university qualifications, she felt her call from God was in the field of handicraft making.
“I was a teen mom. My dream was to actually be a neurosurgeon, the study of the brain really fascinated me and science was my thing... but here I am now.”
She started her business through her first sale in 2021.
It’s been challenging having to pay for the rent, to maneuver through all these things while there’s a rise in prices. We’re managing,” she said.
Younger generation
She believes it’s the duty of the younger generation to keep up with art and traditions.
Her mother taught her crafting when she was young and now they work as partners.
Ms Tareguci said nothing is easy in life and it’s the hard work that gets things through.
“Everyone’s struggling, there’s nothing in this world that cannot be fixed, everything is fixable. Raising a family and running a business with the rising cost of living isn’t easy.
“There’s the uncertainty of having sales in a day or in a month because people don’t always have money. So I have to think about how I am going to survive in those times,” she said.
Her customers are both local and from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Switzerland.
“Just so amazing to see people who believe in our Fijian handicrafts.”
She said she has also made pieces for the Prime Minister of New Zealand and the former President of Fiji.
She does all types of handicrafts including earrings, fans, Tabua, purses, and mats.
“We always listen to our customer’s budgets, and then we work accordingly.”
She encourages all women to set their goals in life and work towards them
“My marriage and my family is not perfect, my history isn’t perfect, but I still make an effort.
“Don’t feel like it’s the end of the world just because you got pregnant or maybe you have no skills. Just need to follow your heart.”
She can be contacted through her