Among the many talented women showcasing their crafts at this year’s Women’s Expo, two entrepreneurs stood out for their unique and inspiring creations.
Laniana and Livia, from Vanua Levu and Kadavu respectively, turned simple, overlooked natural materials into stunning works of art.
This isn’t just about ingenuity but is also a powerful reminder of the potential that lies in the resources around us.
Crafting beauty from dilo seeds
Laniana, a resident of Tavualevu in the Ba Province has always had a deep connection to nature.
Her journey as an artisan began with mat weaving, a skill she mastered over the years. However, two years ago, she decided to explore a new creative avenue using the seeds of the dilo tree, a common sight along Fiji’s shorelines.
Known locally as mapolo (meaning marbles), these seeds are often seen as playthings for children.
But for Laniana, they became the foundation of a thriving craft.
“I decided to create something special out of these dilo seeds,” she shared.
“It came to my mind to make bead necklaces because they are lighter than clay beads and have a natural beauty.”
The process of transforming dilo seeds into jewellery is both meticulous and meaningful.
Laniana collects the seeds from the beach, soaks them in water, and allows them to dry. Once dried, the seeds are dyed in vibrant colours, dried again, and then varnished to give them a polished finish.
Finally, they are strung together to create stunning necklaces.
What makes this process even more special is that it is a family affair. Laniana’s husband recently purchased a drill to speed up the stringing process, and everyone in the household contributes to the craft.
Laniana’s dilo bead necklaces have become a hit among her customers, selling for $15 each.
She noted that her creations were not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious.
“These seeds are usually seen as trash, but now they’ve been turned into art,” she said.
“This is part of recycling and waste management, and I want to encourage young people to think creatively about the resources around them.”
Her innovative approach has also deepened her connection to her cultural heritage. During her sales in Lautoka, she discovered that the dilo tree was a totem for some people from Naitasiri, adding another layer of significance to her work.
Laniana’s creation is a beautiful example of how tradition, creativity, and sustainability can come together to create something truly remarkable.
Breathing new life into coconut shells
From the island of Kadavu comes Livia, an entrepreneur from Daviqele Village who has found a unique way to repurpose coconut shells.
Coconuts are abundant in Fiji, and their shells are often discarded as waste. But for Livia, these shells are a canvas for her creativity.
“I collect dried coconuts that wash up on the shore, clean them out, polish the shells, and apply paint and varnish to give them a glossy finish,” she explained.
“Then, I attach magimagi (coconut sinnet) to turn them into decorative wall hangings.”
Livia’s inspiration came from a desire to use the resources readily available around her.
“I wanted to create something unique and beautiful,” she said.
The process is not labour-intensive, as the coconuts are already on the ground, but the polishing and painting require patience and attention to detail.
The magimagi she uses is sourced from a fellow entrepreneur, highlighting the spirit of collaboration within the community.
Her coconut shell wall hangings are an ode to the beauty of simplicity.
Each piece reflects the natural texture of the coconut shell, enhanced by vibrant colours and intricate designs. The work of this Kadavu woman is a reminder that even the most ordinary objects can be transformed into extraordinary art with a little imagination and effort.
Alleviating poverty
A key objective for all modern societies is the aim to reduce and eradicate absolute poverty. Here in Fiji, as these two wonderful ladies have demonstrated, the key to attain this lies in the sustainable and innovative use of the abundant resources around us.
Laniana shared that women and the youths should take advantage of the abundance of the dilo seeds found along our shoreline, as they were not only used for ointments but were great for fashioning beautiful pieces of jewellery.
“It’s a great way to get yourself immersed in crafts and also at the same time produce something which can be sold and contribute to the family’s livelihood.”
Livia believes those residing in the villages are blessed beyond measure because everything they need to earn a decent living can be found all around them. All it takes is a keen mind and a watchful eye.
“Whatever you need to get going in life is right there around you, all you need to do is have the will power to lift yourself up,” she said.
Laniana shows off a finished dilo seed necklace.
Picture: ALIFERETI SAKIASI
Livia holds up her coconut shell wall hangings.
Picture: ALIFERETI SAKIASI
