At 28, Nala Nabeqa carries her story with strength, a journey shaped by family sacrifice and love.
Nala works at Pat’s Cafe in Suva. She is originally from Nasoqo Village in Naitasiri, with maternal links to Roma settlement in Ra.
For the past four years, she has worked at the café, where her days begin before most customers walk through the door.
“I open the shop, clean up, do the food preparation and wait for customers to come in,” she said.
From sandwiches, crispy chicken to fresh salads, Nala helps prepare the café’s fast-food menu and crafts beverages, skills she picked up while working at the cafe.
“I learned to make all of that here.
Nala’s journey into the workforce began shortly after high school.
She attended Dilkusha Methodist Church and, after completing her studies, stepped into employment to help support her family.
Her first roles were as a salesgirl at a shop in Yatu Lau Arcade and later at RB Patel Supermarket. She also briefly worked at Pacific Fishing Company Pte Limited (PAFCO) when she visited her sister in the Old Capital, Levuka.
After another stint at the shop in Yatu Lau Arcade, Nala took a two-year break at home. It was during this time that an opportunity arose.
“It was when I was at home that I was called to come work at Pat’s Café.
When she first started, Nala worked as a runner, doing shopping errands for the café. Gradually, she transitioned into the kitchen.
“I later learned to do some kitchen work, so I became a kitchenhand. My cousin and I were all working here so it made it easy learning the skills with their support.
When her cousin left, Nala stepped up.
“I quickly picked up from where my cousin left off and started cooking.
Today, Nala values the atmosphere Pat’s Café offers.
“I love working here because it’s got a more relaxed atmosphere and I get to understand customers’ preferences. I also get to meet new people, have conversations with them while I take their orders.”
Equally important is the balance the job provides.
“I love the fact that I also don’t work on Sundays, it gives me time to go to church and spend it with family.
Behind Nala’s strength stands her greatest inspiration – her mother.
“My siblings and I were raised single-handedly by our mum. My dad passed away when I was only three months old and my mum raised all seven of us by herself.
She describes her mother as steadfast.
“She is a strong woman – someone who likes to do things herself without relying on anyone. She put us through school with whatever small job she did.
The family lived in Lautoka for several years, where her mother worked as a tour guide for visiting tourists to support them financially.
In 2015, they moved to Waibau, Naitasiri, where Nala attended Dilkusha High School. Her mother later turned to farming while also working as a caretaker on a farm.
Now 64, her mother continues farming in Nubumakita, Ra.
“My mother is hardworking. Even at the age of 64 she still goes farming.
“We thank her for pushing through the hardship and for giving us the strength to stand on our own two feet. She loves us wholeheartedly.
As the youngest of seven, Nala said she began contributing to the household as soon as she started working.
“When I started working, I started helping the family out.
Now renting on her own in Kalekana, Lami, Nala manages her expenses carefully.
“Whatever I earn also goes to my rent and other expenses. I also stay connected to my family so I try to meet family obligations when I can.
Through it all, faith remains central to her outlook, and she has a message for young Fijians seeking employment.
“I encourage young Fijians looking for employment to pray for it and never let others decide your fate. If you feel like you can do anything, try your best to achieve it.
“Don’t let people’s judgement of what you do affect you. At the end of the day, it puts food on the table, and it supports you financially, always be content with the job you have and turn up happy every day.”
