Ateca leaves job to be a vendor
ATECA Ratuvosa quit her three-year job as a waitress at one of the restaurants in Suva to start a market business.
It has been nine years now and she continues to sell seafoods such as nama, fry fish, fish kokoda (raw coconut milk) and even cooked dalo at the Suva Municipal market.
Mrs Ratuvosa from Namuaimada Village, Rakiraki, Ra and her husband are the breadwinners of their family.
“When COVID-19 and the lockdowns came into place — business became really slow,” she said.
“But even though it was slow, I always go home with some cash and that’s what I’m always grateful for. Before the lockdown, I used to earn $200 — $300 in a week but nowadays I could make $60 to $80 only. From the money I earn, I use them for two things - to shop for what is only needed at home and to pay for our bills.”
The 51-year-old said during this time, the nama business compared to the other foods she sells is actually running good because her usual customers still come around to buy from her.
“One bag of nama is $70,” she said.
“The nama is brought from Rakiraki to Logani and transportation costs $150. Then from Logani to Suva is $50 - so a total of $200 is spent only on transportation. For my fish kokoda, I spend $20.
Some days we make some profits, other days we don’t make anything at all so we have to take everything back home.”
Busy days for Mrs Ratuvosa are usually Saturdays. “I sell all of my seafood packs on Saturday mornings because that’s when a lot of people come in to buy their fresh produces.”
Her only advice to others who are struggling with their market business is to remain positive and keep praying about it. “I would encourage others to try out this market business,” said Mrs Ratuvosa.
“It’s a good business even during this difficult time but it takes a lot of patience. So whatever you do — keep moving forward.”