A Lovu native of Gau in Lomaiviti who joined a women’s club in Nanuku, Yakete, Ba has witnessed a dramatic change in revenue after utilising her childhood skills in weaving.

“I joined the group Cerelali Women’s Club at Yakete in Ba, and ever since I joined the group I have seen the difference it has made to my life and the income I have earned for my family,” said Ateca Waqairatu.

Ms Waqairatu shared her story at a High Tea organised event by Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa yesterday as part of the Rise Beyond The Reef group.

At the tender age of nine she learnt the art from her mother in Lovu Village.

Little did she know then that the skill would become a profession that would introduce her into her own business to earn an income for her family.

She said she has never regretted venturing into the business as it has become the main source of income for her household.

“In the last two years, I had been at home and sometimes we had no money to support us. We would worry about where we would get our income from,” she said.

“I did like weaving, sewing.”

Ms Waqairatu was a market vendor before she switched to her new weaving business that has brought her a steady source of income.

Her switch from being a market vendor to selling wares from her handiwork has made a big difference.

Ms Waqairatu has a variety of weaved products that is being sold on her table. This includes laundry baskets, flower sewing and napkins to name a few.

One of the organisers of the event, Jane Griffiths, acknowledged the presence of the women who were part of the event.

The High Tea event is a combination of a three tea plateau which included a combination of sweet savoury foods, some finger food sandwiches, lemon mareng tars and the chocolate dipped and honey combs.

“It is the first time and we are hoping to do it every year and make it bigger and better and maybe do it at the Ballroom. We only came up with this idea two weeks ago,” Ms Griffiths said.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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