They went through tough times together as a family when their dad, Waisake Turagakula, ended up at the Lautoka Hospital, fighting for his life. Last year he fell ill and was admitted amid the already imminent COVID-19 crisis filling up the hospital beds.
The 33-year-old father of one said he was fortunate his wife and family members kept him sane until his recovery.
“Lying there beside so many people who took their final breath got me thinking about life and ever since I came out I promised myself to be better for my family.”
Waisake wrote stories in songs in the iTaukei language and managed to write an album and hopes to hit the studio for recording.
“I’ve been writing songs and though I’m still young, I’m working on a second album for my group, the Sigavou kei Navatuyaba,” Waisake said.
“While still here in the West, I’m helping my uncle Jim Satui and his group, Cadra ko Muana with some songs and their recordings.”
Waisake said his family was in the screen printing business with operations from home. He works with his wife and two other relatives who help him print sarongs, shirts and tablecloths.
“Business is steady so far, my relatives started buying our products and eventually we were collecting orders from outside.
“That is where it all began and customers kept on calling in their orders for more,” he said.
The former Dilkusha Secondary School student said while the rewards of song writing would be reaped later, his screen printing business had shot up after he posted his products on the Facebook platform to help draw in more customers.
“My family plays a heavy hand in the flow of our business and meeting the demands – family support is much needed because some work has to be done by extra hands and orders are increasing day by day.
“I’m lucky because my wife is always there by my side when I need her and I’m so glad I found her in my life because she is very supportive of me.”
The Navatuyaba man from Toga said he had a different perspective of life after his illness and it had opened his eyes and with business “going good”, he planned to expand the family business.
“We are working to increase our business material and also upgrade a little on our printing as orders are increasing day by day.
“For the time being we are working from a garage. We need a lot of space and a machine to sew the clothes.”
Waisake said two relatives from his wife’s side were also helping in the business because it required a lot of hands.
“In one day I can receive more than 50 orders, people love our creative and simple designs.”
Waisake said he was saving money to buy a sewing machine so that they can sew their own shirts and dresses for assorted occasions.
“We are looking forward to opening a shop in town and to compete with some clothing business shops.”
As for his musical ambitions, Waisake says he will continue his song writing because it was a passion.
“I also encourage my band boys about making use of their God-given talents because it is important – not for show but for ‘peace of mind’.
“Because you’re doing it with love and no one can stop it and I believe if you do not make use of your talents it might be taken away from you and given to someone else that needs it.”
