YEARS of experience in the travel industry have given Nengon Talei Roqica the confidence to build a business of her own while working towards a better future for her children.
At 43, the single mother of three boys is the founder of Vatudei Travels, a business that grew from her professional experience and her desire to help people organise their journeys.
Her path to business ownership followed years of working in the travel industry, where she developed the knowledge and connections needed to establish her own venture.
Ms Roqica spent nine years in customer service at Mindpearl, supporting SWISS International Air Lines and Brussels Airlines.
She later joined JAD International Travel, where she worked for seven years, progressing to senior travel consultant and serving corporate clients and walk-in customers across Fiji.
“I loved my work and gained valuable experience and connections along the way,” she said.
Seeing other business owners establish their own enterprises also encouraged her to take the leap.
“If they can do it, why can’t I?”
After resigning from her job and spending time in the United States, she returned to Fiji determined to turn her experience into a business.
The name Vatudei Travels came after prayer as she considered how to build something of her own while providing for her family.
Starting out was not easy.
Ms Roqica had to build awareness of the business and earn the trust of prospective clients while managing its operations with limited resources.
“It took patience and persistence, but each client I helped made the effort feel worthwhile,” she said.
Now one year and nine months into the venture, she hopes to expand Vatudei Travels by opening offices across Fiji.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is: “Believe in yourself and take that first step, even if you feel uncertain.”
n More in The Sunday Times tomorrow
