DRIVEN by her love for her daughter, Parvati spends her days selling homemade sweets and savoury snacks at Prem Sweets, a roadside bean cart near Malake Landing.
Originally from Votualevu, Nadi, Parvati moved to Rakiraki after her husband passed away to support her daughter, who runs a small family business from home.
Parvati helps with the daily sales, serving customers who pass by the roadside stall.
Her customers are usually nearby residents and villagers from Malake and daily commuters who travel on the Kings Highway.
“I love selling because I get to meet a lot of new people every day,” Parvati said.
Her contribution begins at home, where she spends about two hours preparing fresh bhara and bhajiya before taking them to the roadside stall to sell.
Along with her homemade snacks, she sells mixed beans and seo, which are among the popular choices at Prem Sweets.
Through her daily sales Parvati earns between $60 and $70, which helps them with their daily expenses.
She also orders beans and peanuts, which are delivered to her home for use in preparing the snacks.
Parvati is a mother of five, with four daughters and one son. All her children are married.
Despite the loss of her husband, Parvati has continued to play an active role in her family’s livelihood, dedicating her time to selling snacks and helping her daughter.
For Parvati, selling at Prem Sweets is not just about earning an income, it is a way to stand by her daughter, contribute to the family business and connect with the people who stop by for their favourite treats.
Parvati sells beside the Kings Highway close to the Malake Landing in Rakiraki, Ra. Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI
