What began with a single table and 10 sacks of yaqona at the Suva Market has grown into a successful family business for 63-year-old Asinate Navunisaravi from Namacu Village in Koro.
Navunisaravi says she was just 21 years old when she decided not to continue her education so she could help support her family.
She started selling yaqona supplied from her village in Koro and spent long days at the market building a business from the ground up.
Forty-six years later, Navunisaravi owns a home and a vehicle, operates three vegetable tables at the Suva Market, has a section at the fish market managed by a relative, and continues to sell yaqona alongside other yaqona and spice vendors.
She says the journey was not easy, but hard work, determination and family support helped her achieve success.
Navunisaravi later married and raised six children, all of whom are now working, while some have started families of their own.
She says one of her proudest achievements has been helping relatives from Koro and Batiki who came to Suva to pursue their education.
Navunisaravi recalls preparing up to seven lunch boxes every morning for her children and relatives staying with the family while attending school.
She says providing accommodation and support for students from the islands has always been important to her, because many families face challenges when sending their children to study in Suva.
Today, her daughter and other relatives help manage the business, while she has also embraced online sales by marketing and selling mats through social media.
Despite her success, Navunisaravi says the rising cost of living continues to place pressure on ordinary families.
She says she once spent about $20 a day on fuel travelling to and from the market but now spends around $50 daily.
Navunisaravi says increasing fuel prices and living costs are making life difficult, particularly for low-income earners.
With the National Budget approaching, she hopes the Government will consider increasing wages to help workers cope with rising expenses.
She is also calling on the Government to listen to the concerns of people living in rural communities.
Navunisaravi says villagers continue to face challenges including poor road conditions, water supply issues and other infrastructure problems, and believes their concerns should be taken into account when decisions are made.
