Getting her hands dirty and moulding clay into fine art pieces is what Vani Raqoli does best.
Under her in-laws’ careful tutelage, coupled with her husband’s support, Ms Raqoli, who lives at Lawai Village in Nadroga, has mastered the art of pottery-making.
Now, after decades of perfecting the art, the 43-year-old wants to teach the income-generating craft to others.
Ms Raqoli started her own pottery business a few years ago and has never looked back.
“When my husband and I moved to his village in Sigatoka after we got married, I started learning about pottery making,” she said.
“I learnt under the watchful eyes of my mother-in-law and aunts-in-law. They taught and guided me.”
Ms Raqoli said at first, the intricacies of shaping clay seemed difficult but as she gained experience, it turned into a favourite pastime.
“I was really blessed to learn the skill under their (senior village women) guidance.”
“Now, I have been doing this for more than 20 years.”
She said the three villages in Nadroga that specialised in pottery-making were Lawai, Nayawa and Nakabuta.
Ms Raqoli’s two biggest challenges are the unpredictable weather and accessing the market.
“On rainy days, we are unable to make pottery. That’s because we need good weather to dry our arti-facts.
“And as far as marketing is concerned, we have to find ways to market our products and attract customers.”
Ms Raqoli’s main customers are tourists, many of whom visit Lawai during village tours.
Sometimes, she visits hotels along the Coral Coast to display her products.
Ms Raqoli’s art has become her family’s main source of income.
“I would have been on a farm or doing other housework full time if I had not gained this skill,” she said.
Ms Raqoli urges women and girls in villages to learn their traditional art and craft and use the knowledge to earn a living.
“There are many things our unemployed girls and mothers in the villages can do, like sewing, making jewellery, weaving, making handicraft, crocheting and many more.
“Learn the skills that your elders have and be willing to learn new ones. Make use of all the learning opportunities that you get.”
Ms Raqoli said her dream is to expand her business and enter the export market.
“I want my business to grow because my overseas customers are encouraging me to export.
” I am optimistic that I’ll be able to do it one day,” she said.
