IT was only after Samuela Vosadrugu left his former employer Garden Island Resort on Taveuni that he found new business potential that got him earning more for his family.
The 34-year-old carpenter was the resort’s professional dive master and boat captain for the past five years and had plans of becoming his own boss, but didn’t actually follow through to start his own business.
In fact Mr Vosadrugu says he stumbled upon this opportunity before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.
“During my pastime away from work I’d build and renovate homes within my Khalsa Rd Tacirua community and my neighbours began to notice my work and hired for repair jobs at their homes,” said Mr Vosadrugu.
“Every big and small job I completed, I took photos and posted them on my personal Facebook page and it wasn’t too long before I started receiving messages from potential clients.
“This motivated me to invest more in this idea and as days turned to months I began to employ other tradesmen to work with me.”
Mr Vosadrugu said his wife, who’s from Vanuabalavu, was supportive towards his goals. The father of three was invited one day by a family member to cement and tile a grave site.
“After I completed cementing and tiling works, I took photos and posted it on my personal FB page. Afterward, a lot of people on social media were contacting me to do similar work for their loved ones buried either at the Suva or Nasinu cemetery.
It was at this stage Mr Vosadrugu foresaw a potential in setting up a new business and he worked even harder to achieve his goals of becoming his own boss.
Educated at Naweni District School, Mr Vosadrugu completed his secondary education at Queen Victoria School before attending the Fiji Institute of Technology’s School of Maritime Studies.
“I used to pilot a boat for the night divers in Suva for one and half years. The money earned was used to pay for my school fees.”
Things were always in order in his life, but it was fate that guided Mr Vosadrugu to other employment before settling at the resort.
“I joined Rajen Builder, a construction company after maritime school before joining Neels Rentals and Hire. I later joined Garden Island Resort.
“During these years I also travelled to many places while on the job and made friends with some businessmen and learnt a little about running a business.”
Mr Vosadrugu said his business was getting bigger and better day by day as he continued to recieve calls from Sigatoka, Ba, Nadi, Lautoka.
“I hope to extend my business to Vanua Levu and travel there with my boys to do the work. I always love to help people and try to encourage them to work hard,” he said.”
The Naweni man says he has no regrets about his humble beginnings even though he didn’t have a steady hold of his career path after tertiary school.
“My goals is to prosper in this business and hopefully become a successful businessman helping Fiji development.
