Some people say money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a sewing machine and that’s pretty close.
Sherin Lata, a passionate seamstress in Navua, continues to strive for success against all odds.
Born and raised in Nadi, Ms Lata reminisces how financial constraints didn’t deter her from pursuing her passion for sewing.
Ms Lata said her parents, who were farmers had limited financial means, which led her to learn the art of sewing her own clothes.
“My parents could not afford to buy my clothes when I was a little girl, so I taught myself to sew,” Ms Lata said.
“My father passed away last year at 85. My mother is still with us.”
Despite the challenges, Ms Lata found solace in her mother’s guidance. She became her first sewing mentor.
“My mother taught me how to sew and with my newfound skill, I not only alleviated the financial burden on her family, but also discovered a passion that would shape a future for me.
“In Form 4, I took home economics to learn more about sewing, to really learn all the different techniques.”
The former student of AD Patel Primary School and later Swami Vivekananda High School in Malolo, Nadi said both schools provided her with a solid foundation to pursue her passion.
“My mum found a job at a garment factory, called Malalou Garments and after I finished school, I went on to work there as well.
“I honed new skills and expanded my repertoire, mastering various sewing techniques. I really learned all the techniques and started sewing all types of clothing.”
Her journey took an unexpected turn when she met a young man from India who had worked in a tailoring company.
He helped her broadening her skills set even further.
“He taught me techniques about sewing that I did not know of. He taught me how to do blouses, sulu, different types of dresses and everything.
Ms Lata said in 1992 she married a mechanic from Navua and stopped sewing when she moved in with her husband in Navua.
“You know back then, my thinking was that marriage was the end for women. However I remained steadfast in my determination to carve out her own path.”
Over the years, her family grew to include three daughters and a son. But as she navigated the joys and challenges of motherhood, financial struggles was back.
“The most challenging time was when my kids were small, we were really struggling with money. It was hard to put food on the table and buy them stuff for school
Mr Lata said she became even more determined to sew, but needed her own machine.
“I made the risky choice of buying a sewing machine.”
This leap of faith, fuelled by her commitment to her family’s welfare, set the stage for the birth of her entrepreneurial venture.
Ms Lata established a sewing business at home. As business flourished, the primary focus was always for the welfare of children.
With each passing year, the journey reached new heights, paralleled by her children’s gradual departure from the family home.
In 2023, her dream of owning a dedicated space for her business became a reality, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
“I encourage young girls to explore their talents and turn them into viable sources of income.
“You can earn money from a talent like sewing, gardening and plenty of work. All you need is passion and dedication.
“I’m not stopping here. I plan to buy more sewing machines and get more seamstresses to help with the workload, cause now the workload is piling.
“Seize every opportunity, embrace your talents, and never underestimate the power of determination to turn dreams into reality. So, when in doubt, sew.”
