A registered nurse who left her job to care for her family has started a small business after turning her passion for plants into a successful online venture.
51-year-old Benazir Ali, the owner of Cute Lil Things and Garden 88 in Nausori, says what began with just a few products has grown into a business that now offers jewellery and a selection of exotic plants.
Ali says gardening has been her passion since she was young, and over time she expanded her business by learning from fellow vendors and gaining experience.She says taking part in the Garden City Market Day gave her valuable exposure and helped introduce her products to a wider audience.
She says she has been operating the business from home for the past two years and continues to run it entirely online.
She has also been invited to take part in other markets.
Ali says although she left her nursing career to care for her family, she wanted to remain productive and financially independent, which inspired her to start the business.
She says her family, close friends and staff have played an important role in supporting her journey, and she is proud to see the business grow from a small operation to one with its own branded uniforms.
Ali says seeing the smiles on her customers' faces is one of the most rewarding parts of running the business.
She is encouraging women, especially those who stay at home, to take the first step towards starting their own businesses.
Insert: Ali on encouraging women 13th July 26
