From teacher to trailblazer: Rupeni Rokoratu builds a Fijian fragrance brand

From teacher to trailblazer: Rupeni Rokoratu builds a Fijian fragrance brand

Creating a proudly Fijian perfume brand capable of standing alongside the world's finest fragrances was a mission.

This was shared by the founder of Perfume Fiji, Rupeni Rokoratu.

The former high school teacher stepped away from his career with a vision to create a proudly Fijian perfume brand capable of standing alongside the world's finest fragrances.

After eight years of dedicated research and development, Perfume Fiji became a reality.

Rokoratu says his perfume is crafted using natural ambergris and sikeci oil, ingredients traditionally valued by Fiji's ancestors.

He says his signature fragrance combines indigenous knowledge with world-class craftsmanship, creating a uniquely Fijian scent with global appeal.

He says his product is now proudly stocked at Tappoo Fiji, reaching customers both locally and internationally.

The former teacher adds that the brand is also preparing to expand into Papua New Guinea this September, marking another significant milestone in its growth.

Rokoratu's entrepreneurial journey was not without challenges, as access to funding remained one of the biggest obstacles until a 2025 grant from the iTaukei Trust Fund Board (TTFB) helped transform years of research into a successful commercial venture.

Reflecting on his journey, Rokoratu shared a simple but powerful message to dream big, but take action.

He says if people start today, they will get somewhere, but if they only dream and never act, they will never achieve their goals.

The iTaukei Trust Fund Board says that by supporting entrepreneurs like Rokoratu, it continues to fulfil its mandate of empowering iTaukei people through enterprise development.

The Board says that by investing in innovation, entrepreneurship and indigenous talent, it is helping to create sustainable economic opportunities that contribute to the long-term economic empowerment of the iTaukei community.


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