IN the quiet coastal community of Volivoli, Rakiraki, a young Fijian entrepreneur is making waves — not only in business, but in community empowerment.
Swashtika Sristy Mala, director of Volivoli Seafoods and Farm Supplies, has built one of Fiji’s most inspiring women-led enterprises — a business that bridges the gap between local fishermen, farmers, and major buyers across the country.
What began in a small shed has grown into a thriving enterprise supplying fresh and frozen seafood and farm produce to resorts, hospitals, supermarkets, and local families.
Volivoli Seafoods’ products — including vacuum-packed walu, mahimahi, snapper, tuna, octopus, lobster, and locally grown cassava, dalo leaves, and limes — reflect a commitment to freshness, quality, and traceability.
“The ocean and the land sustain us,” Mala says.
“Our mission is to honour that by building a supply chain that is sustainable, fair, and community-driven. Every fish we sell and every crop we deliver has a story behind it — the story of a hardworking Fijian family.”
Her inspiration came from seeing the untapped potential of local producers in Ra.
“I grew up surrounded by fishermen and farmers who worked tirelessly but didn’t always get fair prices or consistent buyers,” she says.
“We saw an opportunity to connect them directly with the market — cutting out middlemen, reducing wastage, and empowering the community.”
Today, Volivoli Seafoods employs 10 staff members, including seven women and one transgender employee, a workforce Mala proudly describes as “the heartbeat of the company.”
“We believe in giving everyone a fair chance,” she says.
“Our staff aren’t just employees — they are family. They’ve grown with the business, learned new skills, and now taken pride in knowing they’re contributing to something bigger than themselves.”
Supported by a Fiji Development Bank (FDB) loan, Volivoli Seafoods is constructing a modern seafood processing and freezer facility that meets hygiene and export standards.
The project marks a major step in the business’s growth, enabling it to handle larger volumes and meet the needs of both domestic and regional clients.
But Mala’s vision goes far beyond business. With tourism-approved land, Volivoli Seafoods plans to create a multifunctional development combining seafood processing, marine tourism, and community recreation.
“We want Volivoli to be a place where locals and visitors come together,” Mala says.
“Imagine a destination where you can enjoy authentic Fijian seafood, take a fishing charter or snorkeling trip, and where schoolchildren can learn about sustainability and marine care.”
She envisions the area featuring family-friendly facilities such as a picnic park, a children’s play zone, and even a small water park — spaces that encourage families and communities to connect.
“In Ra, there are few places where families can spend quality time together. We want to change that,” she says.
“Our goal is not just to build a business, but to build a better community.”
Despite challenges like fuel costs, weather disruptions, and cash-flow delays, Mala remains optimistic.
“Every day is a learning curve,” she admits. “But we stay strong because we know why we started — to make a difference, especially for women, farmers, and small producers.”
As construction continues on their new facility, Mala says Volivoli Seafoods and Farm Supplies is only at the beginning of its journey.
“Our dream is to make Volivoli a model for inclusive, women-led, and community-based development in Fiji,” she says with a smile. “If we can inspire even one young woman to start her own business, then we’ve already succeeded.”
From the sea to the soil, from small beginnings to big dreams, Swashtika Sristy Mala is proving that sustainable progress in Fiji can start with just one idea — and a heart anchored in community.
