Mishra Sets Example
As we check-in to Golden Point Resort, Rakiraki, Blondie and Kiki run out to greet us. We are first timers in these parts, so the warm welcome from the fury pets offers some respite for the weary travellers.
And worn out we were, with dishevelled hair aired out by a two-hour ride on Akbar Buses where Irfaan sat behind the wheel, all the way from Lautoka City.
Our shabby ill-fitted outfits, Maya’s huge pink suitcase and Fred’s extra-large duffle bag, was enough of a deterrent for the lady seated behind the counter, to even want to attend to us.
The receptionist was kind, and patient. But if first impressions mattered, we’d have been chucked out of the quaint and rustic resort, that delightfully had splashes of chic here and there.
Some distance behind the two canines – one a three-legged beauty, the other a shy companion – a crisp mature female voice slices to through the cool calm ambience of the afternoon, to introduce her pets.
This is the way of pet owners, of how they greet new acquaintances; no airs, no graces. There is an authority about her, a no-nonsense tone in her voice.
Her naturally wide eyes and swagger in her gait belie any indication that she is anything other than another lonely and chatty tourist.
Behind her steely steady gaze is a polite and to-the-point tone.
An arched eyebrow, thin smile, hair tied back in a severe look, offer no hint that we are meeting the owner and manager of the resort.
Journey to success
Rachelle Mishra is the epitome of a successful businesswoman.
The Lebanese migrant who moved to New Zealand before she made Fiji her home, now owns and manages Golden Point Resort, where she continues as a leader in her own right.
Some 12 years after she helped build the resort with her husband Sunny, Mrs Mishra’s leading light for her young staff has only intensified.
She proudly fashions and guides her employees in a way that suits her principled and faith-based style of leadership.
From its initial five room capacity to 32 today, the resort’s staffing has also increased to 19, 16 of whom are impressionable females.
Mrs Mishra’s background is steeped in customer service, and food and beverages. In New Zealand, for example, she was involved in the running of a family-owned Lebanese restaurant where - at a young age and for many years - she learned the “value of hard work, struggles, ethics and hospitality”.
“It’s where I learnt about working hard towards what you want to achieve in life,” she said.
“My father played an instrumental role all along.
“My grandmother was always there to instil faith; I’m a Catholic Maronite.”
She believes her religious faith - in the face of growing Western influence - kept her going.
Mrs Mishra is of the view that one’s religious faith is less of a priority in the Western world, because of increasing and often overwhelming exposure to social and economic forces.
What comes out of one’s mouth is more important that what goes in, she said, as she recites Biblical precepts.
“Perhaps faith is not so important in the Western world, as I see it, and especially not for children,” she said.
“There is not much importance put in place for children and faith.
“Or maybe they think it’s about going to church, but faith is more than that.”
For Mrs Mishra, outward appearance does not count for much. Acts of faith, and of kindness are the essence of being, she said.
Leadership
Women in Fiji could achieve a lot more, Mrs Mishra said.
“The potential is there,” she said.
The lack of emphasis in villages, to empower women, was a sad reckoning, Mrs Mishra said.
“Every day, I empower my girls; we talk about not letting other’s opinion bring them down,” she said.
“I tell them not to change who they are, even when they get married.”
Mrs Mishra wants women to be more individualistic even after they have settled down.
“Don’t lose your identity; pursue your own interests and hobbies,” she said.
“Many women lose themselves when they get married.”
Expansion is on the horizon at Golden Point Resort, Rakiraki, where as many as five over-water bungalows are expected to be built in the two to next three years.
A mini market and petrol station are also part of development plans for the remote resort, said owner and operator, Rachelle Mishra.
She recommends Golden Point as the best travel destination for the quality of water, the abundance of seafood among other natural riches.
“We have the best water in Fiji,” Mrs Mishra said. “We pump our water 120 feet underground, which is the same aquifer as FIJI Water, crisp water; the mountains behind, the beautiful sea in front of us where we get our seafood which plays a great role in our menu.
“Little by little, I’d like to be self-sufficient as time goes by.”
Mrs Mishra owns a goat farm next to her resort.
Last word
Mrs Mishra walks around in her denim jeans and elbow-length shirt.
It seemed to be her favourite get-up for the duration of our stay.
Her ideals are built around gratitude, happiness, and good health.
“Be grateful and happy every day,” she said. “Health is the greatest wealth.
“How you’re going to be happy is by being healthy.”
If one awakes daily with a clear conscience, everything will be work out, she said.
“Be grateful; stop moaning and complaining about petty things,” Mrs Mishra said.
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj