Transforming tradition into thriving business
THE first fully organic island in the Pacific lies within the Lau Group — Cicia. Not only is the island brimming with natural and cultural attractions, it also boasts finely woven mats, among other things, created from pandanus leaves handmade by women who have been artistically gifted since birth.
One of those women is Talica Kovea Ledua, 38, who hails from Cicia and has maternal links to Vatoa, also in Lau.
Just like her handwork, Ms Ledua gracefully talks about her journey as someone who only enjoyed making jewellery and crafted goods as a hobby, but then turned it into a business that not only support her, but her family as well.
“My business is called Originally Fijian and for now, it’s an online shop,” says Ms Ledua.
“I do handcrafted goods, stationeries such as pencil cases, decorations, hair accessories and jewellery.
“I sold my products on the streets of Nausori Town for Love & Life Handicrafts before I moved away to create my own business.
“Love & Life sells jewellery as well but I have shifted to doing things that are more culturally focused like masi, voivoi, magimagi, pearls and many more.”
Reminiscing how she acquired the art of creativity, Ms Ledua believes it was her mother who inspired her to pursue her passion.
“I was always creative when I was young.
“I loved making things but never dreamt that I would own a business that’s based on my hobby. It was never on my list of my life goals.
“My creative passion, I think, I got from my mom’s side. Like me, she is very artistic.
“She loves planting as well as baking and has a knack of turning trash into treasures, so I can confidently say it’s in the genes.”
Ms Ledua initially started her online business with just the thought of earning money for her family until she enrolled herself into a seven-month course learning how to be a woman with entrepreneurial skills.
“Academy for Women Entrepreneurship (AWE) really taught me a lot. I’m enlightened.
“I was running my business with very little knowledge because when I first started, it was only about earning money just to help my husband financially.
“The courses I took that were funded by the US Government broadened my mind and taught me how to expand my business and how to save.
“It has driven me to actually try and discover other possible areas that my family can benefit from. So, now I have plans.”
And the perks of being your own boss?
You control what you own and make your own decisions.
“I get to do what I want.
“You have control of what you can do and what you can get.
“I had a job before but I enjoy what I do now. It’s something that I’ve grown to love and be passionate about.
“Not saying that an 8 to 5 job is bad, but the key here is knowledge and you need to know how to handle your business financially and professionally.
“It has helped me manage my business, do marketing, promotional work. It’s effective. So you need knowledge of these things.”
Ms Ledua says business isn’t as sustainable because prior to the courses she took, she had little knowledge.
“I’m slowly implementing what I learned into my business, so I have confidence that my business will grow and expand.
“So, for those who are thinking of starting a business let me tell you something. You shouldn’t brush off the idea as if it’s just a random thought.
“Turn your interest into a business. With the current government being supportive of women’s inclusion in entrepreneurship, never give up. Continue pressing forward!”
So, for those who are thinking of starting a business ... you shouldn’t brush off the idea as if it’s just a random thought. Turn your interest into a business. With the current government being supportive of women’s inclusion in entrepreneurship, never give up
– Talica Kovea Ledua