Running Own Business Is Rewarding, Says Kumar
Sumant Kumar is among female market vendors in Lautoka Market whose business has bloomed over the past years.
The 52-year-old mother of two sells fruits including pineapples, watermelons, pawpaws and bananas.
“I use to work as a machinist at a garment factory. I decided to quit my previous job because the money I earned wasn’t enough to help my husband,” Mrs Kumar said.
“I had never regretted this decision because I am able to earn money on a daily basis,” she said.
“I manage my own business and it is rewarding in a lot of ways.”
In a good week, Ms Kumar earns more than $500.
“With this money I was able to assist my husband put my two children to school and now they are both working and settled into families of their own,” she said.
“All the fruits I sell are supplied from different farms from the Western Division because I always try to look for the best for my customers.
“It is because my customers are the reason my business is running well.
“I communicate with my customers and that is how I know what they want, so I only sell what my customers want me to sell.”
Ms Kumar hopes to venture into selling vegetables in the future but that would depend on the types of vegetables in season and demand.
She sells fruits that are in season and on demand.
“I’ve got to be selective when getting fruits from middle men.
“I only chose those that are in season and ones that people will buy more like for this week I am selling water melons,” Ms Kumar added.
