AFTER years of preparing meals in a restaurant kitchen Nadi resident Nima Naidu has found her true calling as florist
And she has no regrets about the change.
Coming from a farming family, Ms Naidu says her passion for planting and nurturing flowers comes naturally.
“I love blooming flowers,” she said with a smile.
“It’s my passion and something I truly enjoy doing. My in-laws are farmers with a farm in Nadi, and my father also has a farm in Lautoka. Farming and planting run in our family’s genes.”
Ms Naidu described her journey as both rewarding and fulfilling.
“This is my source of income, and I’ve been making flower arrangements for the past five years,” she said.
“My children are all married now, and this business is something I do for myself — it keeps me happy and active.”
Ms Naidu used to work as a chef at Tigers Restaurant in Lautoka. But her natural talents in gardening lured to her to the art of flower arrangement.
“I started small,” she said..
“People encouraged me to turn my hobby into a business, and I’m so glad I did.”
Her dedication and creativity have earned the green finger recognition in the local floristry community. So far, she has won three awards from different shows.
“I’m grateful to have taken part in flower exhibitions organised by South Sea Orchids at McDonald’s in Nadi,” she said.
Living in Mataivolivoli, Votualevu, Ms Naidu often sells her arrangements at local spots within the Jetset Town boundary.
However, like many growers, she faces challenges — particularly with Nadi’s unpredictable weather.
“Sometimes the plants die, and we just have to be patient and wait for them to grow again,” she explained.
“Depending on the weather, weekly sales can be between $200 and $300, but during flower shows, I can earn up to $1000.”
Ms Naidu also participated in this year’s National Agriculture Show in Nadi, where her flowers attracted a lot of attention.
“People love buying my flowers,” she said proudly.
“Even when I’m tired or not feeling well, just looking at the flowers lifts my spirits. Their colours and fragrance always make me happy.”
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