At 41, Lite Daunika from Naluwai in Naitasiri is redefining what it means to be a modern Fijian mother. A stay-at-home mum of four, two teenagers in high school and two younger children in primary, her story is one that people can relate to filled with, quite determination, adaption and resilience.
“I’ve been working most of my life,” she explains. “From a young age, I went straight into full-time work, and for years it felt like I was just living from paycheque to paycheque.”
That cycle eventually pushed her to look overseas for better opportunities. Yet even after spending time abroad, the financial breakthrough she had hoped for did not materialise.
Everything changed when she discovered an online side hustle.
“I found something that allowed me to work from my phone, and it gave me the chance to come back home and still earn. That was my ticket back to my children.”Today, Lite runs her own online business as a high-ticket affiliate marketer. More importantly, she has reclaimed something she once missed, time with her family.
“It’s a real blessing, to be there when my kids leave for school and to pick them up afterward. That feeling is priceless.”
But beyond financial independence, Lite has embraced another role: what could be called a “shopper angel” within her household. Her approach to shopping and food is intentional, rooted in health and cultural values.
“When I was overseas, fast food was everywhere, it was convenient, but the nutrition just wasn’t there. Coming back home changed my mindset completely.”
Now, her weekly shopping routine revolves around fresh produce. Every Friday, she visits the local market with her children in tow.
“The market is my favourite place, I always start with vegetables, whatever I can afford and then I buy the extras from the supermarket.”
Her weekly grocery budget has risen from around $150 to $200–$250, reflecting the increasing cost of living. Still, she prioritises quality over convenience.
“You are what you eat, so if I want my children to do well in school and stay healthy, I have to make sure they’re eating properly.”
Her meals often include local staples such as root crops and leafy greens, complemented by simple additions like tuna for flavour. She also prepares fresh juices in the mornings and ensures her children carry balanced lunches to school every day.
“I always include a fruit or vegetable, even something small like carrots or cucumber makes a difference.”
Lite draws inspiration from other mothers as well.
“I follow a lady online who packs colourful, healthy lunchboxes for her kids, it really motivates me to do better.”
Health in her household goes beyond food. Herbal drinks, often prepared by her mother, play a regular role.
“Even when we’re not sick, we drink them, this helps in keeping our immune system strong.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to instil self-sufficiency in her children by encouraging them to plant their own food.
“We have land, so why not use it. “I want my children to understand the value of growing what we eat.”
Her advice to other mothers is simple and powerful.
“Start small. Add some fruit, add a vegetable. Drink more water. Look after yourself first because if you’re not well, everything else suffers.”
In Lite’s world, shopping is no longer just a routine task. It is an act of care, a strategy for wellbeing, and a foundation for a better future.
