52-year-old, Salanieta Dikola from Bulileka Village, has been honoured with the Best Market Vendor Award at the Labasa Flea Market.
Dikola receives the award during a special presentation organised for market vendors, which also featured a concert by market staff, a first of its kind.
She expresses her gratitude and says she was very happy to be recognised for her hard work and commitment.
She says that this is the third consecutive year she has received a business-related award, reflecting her consistency and dedication to her small enterprise.
She says this year’s award included a certificate, trophies, and business materials, which she plans to use to further develop her business.
Dikola adds that she operates daily at the Labasa Flea Market, travelling every day from Bulileka Village.
She shares that she sells a range of products including masi, tapa, earrings, and garlands, with most items being homemade.
She says her daily income varies, especially during weekends and special occasions.
Her customers include family members, church members, villagers, and civil servants.
With Christmas approaching, Dikola says she has been saving part of her earnings to celebrate with her family and to reinvest in her business.
Dikola also shares a strong message for young people, encouraging school leavers to engage in small businesses instead of turning to drugs or loitering in town.
She says selling village products at the market is a positive way to earn income and support families.
She further encourages women in villages to make use of locally available resources such as sasa brooms, coconut oil, and voivoi products, and not to rely solely on their husbands for financial support.
She urges women to be proactive and work towards financial independence.
Dikola says the award has motivated her to continue working hard and hopes her journey will inspire other women and youth to pursue small business opportunities and become self-reliant.
