Lavenia Vakadewabuka has been selling waka at the Korovou Market for more than 14 years now.
She is originally from Davetalevu Village in Tailevu and lives with her husband and two of their children while the eldest is in Ghana.
Through her business, she supports their family while her husband is engaged in farming.
Her journey began long before marriage, as she was driven by a vision to support herself and be financially independent.
“By selling waka (grog) and pounded kava, I’ve embarked on a path that has not only sustained my household but has also empowered my community,” she said.
Lavenia started her business with a modest investment of $300, and she has demonstrated an admirable level of commitment and determination.
Over the years, she has established strong relationships with her waka suppliers, ensuring a steady supply that meets the demands of her customers.
She believes this strategic decision not only positions her as a reliable vendor but also enhances the quality of the products she offers.
Lavenia’s day starts at the crack of dawn, around 5am and often extends until 7 or 8pm.
This rigorous schedule showcases her dedication to her business as well as her hard work to sustain her family.
“The early hours allows me to prepare my goods, while the late evenings grants me time to engage with customers and market my products effectively.
“This commitment has not only allowed myself to cater for my family’s financial needs but has also instilled a profound understanding of the value of hard work and perseverance,” she said.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Lavenia has faced numerous challenges.
One of the most formidable has been managing money wisely.
She has discovered the importance of budgeting and tracking her expenses.
Lavenia said she started by setting clear financial goals, both short-term and long-term, which helped her prioritise her spending.
Initially vulnerable to over-spending, she learned from her experiences and gradually developed a strategic approach to finance.
Lavenia emphasises the importance of maintaining discipline when it comes to profits, advising fellow business owners against using their earnings for unnecessary expenditures.
Moreover, Lavenia encourages small business owners, especially those engaged in the food sector, to prepare their food from home to avoid spending and usage of money from the business profits.
She said on most days, she would spend money on buying food while at the market and it had become a norm for her at some point.
“I discourage buying food and snacks here at the market as it consumes a lot of money. I suggest we bring our lunch and breakfast from home.”
Lavenia believes that women can accomplish anything if they want to be successful at something.
“Anyone can do anything and for women, most times we are told to stay home and take care of the household – but that doesn’t have to limit what we want to achieve in life,” she said.
