MARIA Kaitani has been a florist for more than 10 years, taking over her mother’s business after she died. She said her mother was one of the first people to sell flowers at the Suva market.
“My business is based at the flower market in Suva and we do this every day,” she said.
She said sometimes customers called her when she was still in bed. Some would need flowers early in the morning. Some would need a wreath for a casket or arrangements of bouquets for a birthday.
“It’s an everyday work.”
According to Ms Kaitani when the business started there were only a few women selling flowers. She said those days were very good for them and their business flourished because there were fewer florists around. Now, she said, there were more florists, so they receive fewer orders compared with the time they started. Ms Kaitani added there was competition among the other florists. They would compete for who could provide the cheapest arrangements.
“At the moment I am selling bouquets and my prices range from $10 to $30.
“It’s a good business, just like those who come from Naitasiri when they bring flowers and food, the flowers finish first and the food is there until the afternoon,” she said.
Their flowers were planted by her mother and she and her husband only cultivate and harvest them.
“My customers are my friends, church members, parents of school children where my sons are schooling and a lot of working people in Suva.
“This year Valentine’s Day is on Sunday. She said in the market they would deliver from Monday to Sunday. She said a lot of people start buying from Monday until Valentine’s Day.
“We can get $500 to $600 in Valentine’s week,” she said.
Post Fiji Pte Ltd had promoted Ms Kaitani at their outlet in Suva to sell her bouquets of flowers for those lovebirds who were looking to treat their significant others with a gift. Post Fiji Pte Ltd chief executive officer Dr Anirudha Bansod said the promotion was for this week and would end tomorrow.
“This is supporting the micro-entrepreneurs which are one of the country’s key initiatives after COVID-19,” Mr Bansod said.
“The florist is from Suva market and we would like to support them so they can get the attention and make some money too for Valentine’s.”
Dr Bansod said Valentine’s was a festival people enjoy and celebrate every year.
“Apart from roses, the trend of other gift articles becomes the norm for the people to exchange gifts.
“This is where Post Fiji and other SMEs can support the community to make their celebration exciting by getting a surprise gift.
“EMS is a great platform where couples can get their products delivered just for $5 in the city region.”
He said they were starting this, especially when people were going through stress, social distancing, loneliness and emotional turbulence. “This all becomes unknowingly psychological turbulence in a person’s mind.
“We wish to let people and couples celebrate this Valentine’s Day with Post Fiji and EMS to make this festival and celebration joyful and exciting.
“Having a happy life, joyful, getting away from loneliness and spreading love in the community is what society needs especially when we’re all going through COVID-19 pandemic situation, STC Yasa and TC Ana.”
Post Fiji was allowing the young community and couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with ease and with just $5 delivery in CBD areas of Fiji.
“For Suva, Nadi and Lautoka main post offices, as we are trialling out the initiative, where a customer can buy their card, chocolates and flowers at one location and use Post Fiji’s EMS service to deliver their gifts.
“It’s only $5 for delivery within Suva, Lautoka and Nadi CBD areas,” he said.
