FROM a quiet community in Labasa to the vibrant business landscape of Rarotonga, Shweta Shaeron Vandana, also known as Zunairah Hussein, is helping shape the growth of small enterprises in the Cook Islands.
A business service manager with Business Link Pacific, the 27-year-old works closely with small and medium-sized businesses across Cook Islands, connecting them with quality advice and practical support.
Her role centres on linking businesses to the appropriate advisory and financial services they need to grow and strengthen their operations.
Early life and personal journey
Born and raised in Labasa, Shweta has come a long way in life, carving out a career that allows her to support and uplift business owners in a developing island economy.
“I was born and raised in Labasa where I was brought up single-handedly by my mother after my father passed away.
After completing her primary and secondary education in Labasa, she moved to Suva to study at the University of the South Pacific.
“During my final year of study, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my mother, which was the most challenging time of my life.
“Despite the difficulties of coping with grief I was fortunate to have met my husband, Zuhaeez Hussein, who I’m deeply grateful for.
“I am especially thankful to my in-laws, Iqbal Hussein and Nazreen Hussein, for their unwavering support and for welcoming me as their own daughter.
“Currently my husband and I live and work in Rarotonga. He serves at the Ministry of Education as principal systems administrator and lead project manager.”
Careers in Fiji
She has worked in Fiji for more than four years, beginning her career in mainstream media.
“I started as an intern at The Fiji Times, where I had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the industry.
“That experience played a significant role in shaping my professional foundation, and The Fiji Times will always hold a special place in my heart.”
From The Fiji Times, she joined the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation – broadening her skills in the media industry.
She worked as a multimedia journalist at FBC before transitioning to the marketing department as team leader and digital marketing specialist.
Her marketing role allowed her to expand her skills in communications, strategy and leadership.
“From there I moved into communication and public relations within the disability advocacy organisations, like Frank Hilton Organization and the Pacific Disability Forum.
“These experiences were incredibly meaningful, as they deepened my understanding of the importance of inclusion and the need to work collaboratively towards creating a more accessible and equitable future for persons with disabilities.”
Life in Rarotonga
After a good career in Fiji, she decided to broaden her horizon and move to the Cook Islands.
There she enjoys the quieter and more relaxed pace of Rarotonga compared to Fiji’s hustle and bustle.
“Life in Cooks is a lot quieter and more relaxed compared to Fiji. Its smaller, so things feel more close-knit and community focused.
“Fiji has more people and bigger cities, so there’s a bit more happening there.”
She said one of the best parts about living in the Cook Islands is the absence of traffic.
A typical day for her starts with prayer and reflection. She said prayers help her set a positive tone to her day.
“After getting ready, I head to work. I enjoy staying organised and focused throughout the day, but I also make sure to take moments to connect with my colleagues and appreciate the small wins.
“Evenings are usually reserved for spending quality time with my husband, relaxing and recharging for the next day.
“I focus on staying organised and well-planned, especially when managing multiple deadlines. Open communication is very important to me.
“I make sure businesses clearly understand processes and expectations from the beginning. I also rely on teamwork and collaboration, as no role operates alone.
“Most importantly, I approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset, seeing them as opportunities to improve and strengthen the way we support our business community.”
Challenges and rewards
One of the challenges she faces in her line of work is juggling many moving parts.
She balances supporting businesses, overseeing reports, and ensures everything stays on track.
“Each business has different needs, so it requires patience, adaptability, and strong communication.
“There’s also the responsibility of ensuring transparency and accountability, especially when funding or grants are involved but while it can be demanding, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see businesses grow and succeed with the right support.”
The Cook Islands is a beautiful place with immense potential for business growth.
While there may not be many big, branded outlets on the island, many entrepreneurs are creating opportunities for themselves, often building their own brands from scratch and contributing to a growing local economy.
Missing home
Like many Fijians living abroad, she and her husband miss home.
“We miss our families the most, the delicious food and the vibrant culture.
“No matter where we are, Fiji will always be home in our hearts.”
