Moreen Arti Kiran received the Best Female Entrepreneur UNICEF Award-Winner at the 2017 Northern Division Youth Festival Awards Night at Civic Centre, Labasa.

She currently operates her business — MAKS Hair and Beauty Salon — located outside Labasa Town with her sister Gayatri Kiran.

The salon is a $6000 investment which now generates about $15,066 per anum.

The 32-year-old said she had no experience at all when she started her business.

“I went through a few training and now I am a qualified hair- dresser,” she said.

Mrs Kiran trained at the Australia-Pacific Technical College in Suva.

She said her average income per month was $2500 which was equivalent to an employer’s full time staff’s income.

She said there had been a lot of competitions lately and it had become a major challenge for her.

“These days anyone can have a salon, whether there’s qualification or not.

“People work in a salon for few days and then they start their own business, their price will also be low.

“It is now becoming an issue for us and the others who have qualifications and experiences.

“I think it’s best to have a hair dressing association in Labasa.”

Mrs Kiran’s business was funded by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

She seeks trainees from the National Employment Centre and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Mrs Kiran is married with a four-year-old son.

“I am really enjoying the rate in which my business is running and at the end of the day, it all depends on how we provide services to our clients,” she said.

EDITED BY: IVAMERE NATARO

Feedback:  selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj