Creating opportunities for people and helping families build a better future has been one of the most rewarding aspects of leading one of Fiji's most recognisable businesses, according to Hot Bread Kitchen Managing Director Vanessa Charters. Speaking during Her-Story with Temalesi Vono, Charters reflected on the journey of leading Hot Bread Kitchen, which has grown to 26 branches and employs around 700 people across the country.
Describing the experience as "quite an adventure", Charters says the company owes much of its success to the dedication of its staff, some of whom have remained with the business since its early years. Insert: Vanessa - first to go to university May 02Charters paid tribute to her late parents, the late Dr Jimione Samisoni and Dr Mere Samisoni, who founded the business and helped shape the culture of mentorship and support that continues today.
Charters says it was a privilege to be part of those success stories and to witness the positive impact employment can have on families and communities. Reflecting on her own career journey, she says life had often required her to adapt and embrace unexpected opportunities. She notes that the rapidly changing world of work means many young people will eventually enter careers that do not yet exist, making adaptability and continuous learning more important than ever. Rather than following rigid career paths, Charters is encouraging young people to develop a broad range of skills, pursue their interests and remain open to change.
