Felichya Kayes has come a long way from humble beginnings at her home in Pacific Harbour.
Today, Aroma Kitchen, a business she started four years ago has grown to be a trusted name in chutneys, dips, pickles and similar relishes.
What started off as a hobby has propelled Kayes to be one of the most recognisable faces at the ROC Market organised by the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation’s Gold FM.
The entrepreneur said her journey started when her husband changed his diet to glutenfree. That change made her commit herself to gluten free meals.
“I spent most of 2018 researching and searching for a diet to suit my husband. I searched up various fruits, vegetables and spices and how can they could be made gluten free, ‘she said.
Through her research, she made homemade condiments and platters for family and friends. She received overwhelming suggestions that would later urge her to set up her own business.
“At first I was reluctant as I was shy about selling at markets. I thought I needed a certain skill to draw in customers.”
Kayes said in early 2019 her sister ordered a large batch of pickles but unfortunately the order could not be sent overseas so she decided to sell the pickles at the Pacific Harbour Market day.
“My husband helped me at the Market Day and we sold out all our products and made $165.”
“That is what motivated me. I told myself ‘this is what I want to do.”
Kayes has used the past three years to build her customer base. The Aroma Kitchen boss has developed an interesting concept of customizing her client’s orders to suit their taste and providing samples for tasting.
“Some customers want olive oil with their products and during market days we provide samples for them. Most times what we see we don’t get so providing samples is a great way to give customers a different experience.”
The 39-year-old said running the business on her own was not easy but passion and drive made her achieve success.
She started off outsourcing her raw materials but over the years she has managed to grow her own vegetables and fruits. Aroma kitchen has a wide variety of condiments ranging from mango, tomato, pineapple and relishes.
“I started off with three products now I have 30,” she said.
She advised Fijians to be “always be happy with what they do”.
