WITH preparations in progress for the 2014 Women in Business Awards tomorrow, three successful entrepreneurs have been shortlisted as finalists for the Business Woman of the Year award.
Finalist one
VALUE City (SP) Limited managing director Vera Chute has been nominated by her family and friends for the award.
She manages the family-owned recycled clothing business, which was established in 1990 and the brainchild of her father, the one person she says has influenced her to become the businesswoman she is today.
“Vera oversees day-to-day operations of all branches and is the liaison officer for other Pacific Island franchisers. She prepares financials, negotiates with bankers and overseas suppliers, as well as staff recruitment, quality control management and establishing and securing new markets,” WIB said.
Ms Chute believes there is no substitute for sheer dedication and hard work and would get her hands dirty on the shop floor whenever required.
Finalist two
BUDGET Pharmacy managing director Kavita Raniga is the second finalist for the Business Woman of the Year award.
She manages the community retail pharmacy in Nadi and Namaka, a hospital pharmacy at the Suva Private Hospital, Denarau store, a retail boutique and general store, and two spas on Denarau — Spa Maya and DenarauMedispa.
“Kavita is a qualified pharmacist. Being married into a Gujarati family where daughters-in-law are usually told to stay at home and look after the household, Kavita was encouraged by her mother-in-law to go into the business world,” WIB said.
Finalist three
THE only applicant to be nominated as a finalist in two categories, Westside Motorbike Rentals (Fiji) Limited managing director Beatrice Nast wants to concentrate on marketing, stabilising financials and opening more outlets in the future.
Nominated as a finalist for the Business Woman of the Year and the Aspiring Entrepreneur of the Year awards, Ms Nast operates her business out of Nadi.
“There are various arms of the business — motorbike rentals called Kool Scoots, car rental called Go Pink, buggy tours called Go Dirty, Quad tours called Go Trek and Harley Davidson rental and tours.
“Her business also provides general sales and repairs and households, and holds certain dealerships and agencies.
“Apart from the overall running of the business, Beatrice directly handles all the accounts and public relations. She started at an early age, owning her very first business in Germany when she was 20.”
Ms Nast said her mother had been very influential in her life and always encouraged her to do what she wanted to do and never give up.
“It took a long time for staff members to accept her as the owner and decision-maker but she managed to overcome this by working together with them on the floor, learning their language and proving to them that women can be equals,” WIB said.
* The Fiji Times is the official media partner for the 2014 Women in Business Awards.
