A hobby learnt from a young age became a life saver for Reapi Kalougivaki after her husband suddenly fell ill two years ago.
Her husband later became bedridden and she was forced to be the sole bread winner Using a small sewing machine, Ms Kalougivaki started sewing, a hobby her mother had during her childhood.
The mother-of-four now runs a successful online business selling hand-sewn bed sheets and pillow cases.
“My mother had taught me the basics but I learned more to expand my knowledge in the craft. Sewing has always been a passion of mine,” the 54-year-old said.
“My husband and I were doing alright until December 2021 where he got sick and was bedridden.
“He had to undergo surgery and was hospitalised for two months. Then he got discharged, and remains bedridden till date.
“This was extremely new to me but thankfully my business gave me enough to put food on the table and look after my husband and children.”
Just when she thought she was in control, Ms Kalougivaki was hit with bad worse news of the sudden burning down of the Ba town council market arcade.
“My family encouraged me to start my business all over again as I had lost everything in the fire.
“So I started towards the end of 2020 and moved it online in September 2021. “Around October 2022 business really took off thanks to the orders I received through Facebook.
“I thank God for giving me the talent I have and my family for their support and to my customers because without them I wouldn’t have gotten this far.”
Some of the challenges Ms Kalougivaki faced was working during the COVID-19 pandemic and the unavailability of material.
“The main challenge I have faced is the availability of suitable material used in my work.
“Whenever I receive orders, I will always have to travel to Suva to buy the materials according to the color scheme of my client’s choice. “Also, during the pandemic I was receiving orders but business was naturally slow as I had just started.
“My main focus was trying to make enough to cover up the loss that came with the burning down of the arcade but even though things were slow, it helped me get back on my feet financially.”
“This made me appreciate my clients as their orders allowed me to provide for my family.”
Apart from sewing, Ms Kalougivaki also makes handicraft, jewellery, woven purses, salusalu and wreaths.
“I also take an interest in gardening, both flowers and vegetables.
“Textile art is another hobby of mine and I enjoy a bit of baking. I also love making candles and other beauty products from bees wax.”
Her message to Fijians thinking of starting their own business is to ‘never doubt yourself and always keep your faith.’
“You do not necessarily need a vast amount of resources to get started. A needle and a thread goes a long way.”
“For me, personally I don’t see what I do as work – I actually love what I do.
“Think outside the box, always be open to new ideas and find business in something you’re passionate about.”
