Alumita Volau believes her biggest power is her ability to practise and revive the skills she learnt from her ancestors.
Volau, who hails from Lau, owns a stall at the Suva Flea Market and considers traditional garlands (salusalu) and wreath making as her priceless talent.
“Working on handicraft and creative salusalu designing is all in my blood as my grandparents did weaving of mats, baskets, fans and everything,” she said.
She said after relocating from Labasa, she learnt weaving from her mother to help her in the business.
“I had the knowledge of weaving as I grew up watching my grandparents do it but I never got to practise it because I was encouraged to focus more on school work.
“When I was in Labasa my mum used to sell cassava and other foodstuff at the market and when we came to Suva, she started this business to support us all and that’s when I got to learn more things and practise what I grew up watching.”
Originally from Lau, Volau said meeting the high cost of the resources needed for weaving was the major challenge she faced.
“I make salusalu and wreath only using masi and as for the vau, I depend on people at my village to send it over to me because it is cheaper.
“Sometimes when there is no ship coming from Lau, I have to purchase the vau from here (Suva) which is very expensive in Suva as it costs around $150 to $200 for just 50 sheets which is too much for me.
“Secondly, I only do salusalu and wreath making, so I do not have the variety which other stall owners here sell which affects my income.”
The 39-year-old said COVID-19 and the border closure not only decreased international customers, it also affected local trade.
“COVID-19 has resulted in a decrease in sales and my income as there is no tourist coming and as for the local customers, they don’t prefer to spend much money during this difficult time.
“Considering the low sales, we usually put our prices down to suit people’s income and have something to take home even though if it’s less.”
The former student of Labasa Sangam College encouraged youths to be confident and work towards achieving their goals. “Keep striving for your goals and just have the heart in doing things.
“Work hard and always be ready to learn from your family and friends as the skills learnt can be useful when you are struggling.”
