ANSHU Devi is a familiar face at Shop N Save Supermarket in Votualevu.
The mother of three operates a bean cart outside the supermarket serving snacks, food packs and other goodies since 2008.
Ms Devi said her business idea was borne out of the need to become her own boss rather than working for others.
“I have a bean cart business,” she said.
“We are just selling sweets outside the Shop N Save Supermarket in Votualevu.
“I also run a canteen, and also take food orders for wedding, anniversaries and all occasions.
“And we are doing catering too.”
Ms Devi said starting her business with her husband was something they did not regret.
“Through SPBD I have expanded my business and I’m planning on improving my business and I just like to extend my business.
“FRCS has helped us a lot and through the SPBD they have helped me a lot in growing my business “And I thank my customers for supporting me and my family members in Fiji and abroad.
“We just thought of starting a business rather than working for others.”
Her business has grown to becoming a family business that has provided income to support her children’s education.
“We have grown from when we initially started, we have plenty customers, local and overseas customers we supply Indian sweets.
“My husband and I make the sweets, and my children assist us with other family members.
“I have three children and two are in university and the youngest is in primary school.
“And they have assisted us with the selling and making of products.
“Whenever customers place their orders, we make the sweets and supply the fresh ones.”
Ms Devi said she had plans to expanding her business into a restaurant.
“My son is doing his studies in hotel management, and I hope to extend my business.
“We are just taking orders for the food and making local sweets so maybe in future I also want to do a restaurant business.
“My husband and I were working as a salesperson for supermarket, but now we just want to focus on becoming entrepreneurs.
“Sometimes the orders come when we are still at home, and we have to make the sweets and supply.”
Ms Devi recently graduated from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service MSME training on becoming a tax compliant business.
