Erani Buna believes personal growth is enhanced through personal experiences and struggles.
Despite enjoying a happy childhood, marked by simplicity and the nurturing care of her parents, she says she feels grateful for the hardships encountered along the way.
Those hurdles developed her inner strength and shaped her personality.
“Growing up, we didn’t really realise that life was hard because we were under our parents’ care,” Erani said.
With both her parents from Lau, her childhood was deeply rooted in traditional values and the close-knit bonds of family.
“Growing up, we often brushed off our parents’ advice, thinking we knew better,” said Erani.
But as time went by, and they became adults, she said they realised the depth of wisdom behind their parents’ loving words.
“When we look back we begin to under[1]stand the challenges of parenthood, we understand the sacrifices our parents made for us.”
In Fiji, where the pursuit of a better life is often met with financial struggles, Erani and her family found themselves working tirelessly to make ends meet. Despite these efforts, the income earned was barely enough to effectively cater for them.
“Each day is a battle, both at work and at home, as we strive to provide for our loved ones,” says Erani.
“I attended Nabua primary and Nabua Secondary School,” Erani said, “I managed to finish form seven.”
When she was in high school, Erani al[1]ways wanted to be a businesswoman. She pursued education to create a better life for herself and her families. Yet, in her academic pursuits, she faced peer pressure and distractions, such as the temptation of romantic relationships.
“I managed to reach tertiary level, but, when you are at university you get to meet all these different kinds of people,” Erani said.
“And unfortunately, because I hadn’t learnt the lessons my parents had tried to teach me, I got pregnant.”
“Naturally, I left school and now I’m married,” Erani said.
“I’ve got four kids, two boys and two girls. They’re all growing up. My eldest son is going on to 19 years old.”
Erani worked in a factory in Vatuwaqa, processing food in an assembly line to make ends meet. Life took another unexpected turn when she found herself pregnant again.
But despite the challenges she faced, she never lost sight of her aspirations and continued to pursue her dreams.
After her second child, Erani decided to stay home for a while before venturing back into the workforce.
It was during this time that she stumbled upon an opportunity at a local restaurant.
“I was given this godsent opportunity and I grasped it,” Erani said.
With dedication and perseverance, she quickly rose through the ranks, eventually finding herself at the forefront of the restaurant’s operations. Refl ecting on her experiences, Erani said empathy was the greatest lesson she learned along the way.
She said, “Don’t ignore your heart. Whoever who have a feeling for, whether it’s towards your neighbours, your kids, your family,or even a stranger, just act on it. Even if it’s as simple as offering water to someone in need or smiling and walking away from confrontation.”
Erani’s unwavering commitment is evident in her approach to customer service at the restaurant.
Whether serving a patron or encountering a difficult situation, she responds with kindness and understanding, embodying the ethos of creating harmony.
As she continues her journey, she remains steadfast in her belief that empathy is the key to building meaningful connections and fostering a sense of community.
