Silivia Bulouniwasabula has been selling flowers at the Suva Municipal Market for over five years and has grown to deeply appreciate the trade.
She said it only began as a side activity but then eventually turned into a passion and a reliable source of income.
“I’ve realised the financial potential in flower selling and decided to invest more energy and care into the business,” she said.
She is at the market almost every day, except for Saturdays, when she takes a break from her routine.
Silivia said she takes pride in her work and finds joy in engaging with customers and fellow vendors at the market, where she has established a consistent presence.
One of the unique aspects of her business is that she plants and grows her own flowers. “My home garden is where I grow the flowers I sell,” she said. “It lets me control the quality, keep costs down, and run my business sustainably.”
Silivia shared that while her home garden is her primary source of flowers, there are times when not all the blooms are ready or suitable to sell.
Factors like weather, growth cycles, or quality issues can affect the availability of her very garden flowers.
During such times, to ensure she still meets customer demands, Silivia turns to other flower vendors at the market.
“These vendors sell flowers in bundles, allowing me to supplement my supply without compromising quality,” she said.
Silivia said this not only ensures she meets customer demand but also strengthens community ties and supports other small-scale growers. She considers her flower-selling business as more than just a job — it is her main source of income.
“The earnings from this venture helps me support my family and cover daily expenses,” she said.
Through this business, Silivia has managed to take care of her family’s financial affairs and other necessities in her household.
She acknowledges the positive impact the business has had on her life, providing a steady income and a sense of independence.
Silivia said it is important for women to be financially independent and not always relying on their spouses money all the time.
She urges young women to venture into this business as it can be done from the comfort of their own homes – just like she does. She also highlighted the importance of small-scale entrepreneurship and how it has turned a simple passion into a business which can be both fulfilling and practical.
“I believe that even modest ventures can make a meaningful impact when managed with care and purpose,” she said.
“By combining homegrown efforts with local partnerships, I’ve managed to create a sustainable model that supports my family.”
Through hard work and a love for what she does, Silivia has turned flower selling into a meaningful and successful business.
Silivia shared that while her home garden is her primary source of flowers, there are times when not all the blooms are ready or suitable for sale.
Silivia said she takes pride in her work and finds joy in engaging with customers and fellow vendors at the market, where she has established a consistent presence.