INSURANCE officer Losana Tuitokova has transformed a God-given artistic talent into a thriving business, one that emphasises the value of unique Fijian-made products.
Ms Tuitokova, who holds an eight-to-four job with LICI insurance, now dedicates her time to her enterprise, Kilikali Creation, names after her family farm, Kilikali, where all the ideas and skills started.
“The only thing that I’ve seen is that it’s not all about 8 to 4 jobs. It’s about talent,” she said.
“The talent doesn’t depend on any school that you attend. It’s a God-given gift to you and out of it, whatever art you’ve done and the best that you can bring out of the product that you’ve done, gives you the dollar value.”
Ms Tuitokova specialises in a technique she calls blotching.
“I touch the paint and rub it onto the cloth, which is calico, rayon or balboa material.
“The more the colours, the more unique the designs. This is not tie-dying. Tie-dye is messy, you cannot repeat my design.”
Ms Tuitokova differentiates her work from other textile art.
“I’m making a sarong, and I’ll sell it to hotels at about $60 per sarong. The shirt is for $50.
“My first product was bought by Motibhai, I sold it for $10 each and my second product, I started selling at $20 when I went to Suva.”
Ms Tuitokova is focused on inspiring others to explore their innate abilities.
This can be a part of my retirement plan and also, something that you can keep telling your children – that it’s all about art.”
Ms Tuitokova’s marketing began organically on social media.
“I’m not here for money, it’s just to get exposure. Even when talking with other ladies, I’m getting more ideas from them too. So, it’s sharing information.
“My future plan is to leave this behind for my children, something to start off, it’s an investment.
“I want to have a boutique shop in Tavua because it’s all crowded. Too much is made in China, made in India. We want grassroots level Fiji-made products.”
Ms Tuitokova advocates for distinctiveness and national pride in local talent.
“We must have pride in our country, and we have to use our talents, because otherwise, it’s all going out. It’s washing away, something that you tell your generation after you.”
