Humbling Experience To Double Up As Parent And As Micro-Entrepreneur
Playing both parental roles at once is a challenge that not all parents can successfully handle.
However, for micro-entrepreneur Loata Takape Senibale of Namalata Village, Lomaloma, Vanuabalavu in Lau, it has been a humbling experience acting as both a father and mother to her 10-year old son.
Ms Senibale, one of the five finalists for the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji Business woman of the Year award, has been a member of SPBD Tamavua-i-wai Centre One since 2011.
Being a role model
Being a businesswoman and playing both parental roles is a mammoth task that has shaped her to be who she is now.
Ms Senibale is a beneficiary of the Small Medium Enterprises $12,000 financed by Fiji’s largest micro-finance institution.
Since taking her first loan of $1000, Ms Senibale has seen her business grow through thick and thin.
“I run a canteen, pastry and kava business,” says Ms Senibale whose husband is a sailor and is often away from the family.
“It’s a difficult thing trying to run the business, playing both roles as a father and mother to your child because my husband many times is away at sea.
“But I’m thankful to this God Almighty for giving me the strength and inspiring me in such challenging times and I am reaping the rewards by being recognised as one of the five finalists for the businesswoman award.
Top five finalist for SPBD
Ms Senibale says it’s a surprise to be named one of the five nominees, nevertheless, she’s humbled by the recognition.
She acknowledged SPBD and its staff for their continuous financial support that has empowered low-income and disadvantaged women.
“I really appreciate what SPBD has taught us, from financing us to providing training, they have been a source of empowerment to women like me who not only live in the urban areas but also the rural areas.”
Apart from her canteen, pastry and kava business, she travels to various carnivals around the country to set up her candy shop.
“I travel to carnivals in Savusavu, Levuka, the Western side and Suva, Nausori to sell my candy.
“ I have a very close friend who is my business partner when it comes to carnivals.”
The 48-year old often earns a profit of between $2000 and $3000 per carnival.
She says the carnival income is then budgeted to help her payments or supplement her existing businesses.
Successful business
She makes a weekly payment of about $300 and has savings of around $3500. She also has her own personal savings at home which she uses to assist ladies who face problems.
With the current nature of the yaqona industry since Tropical Cyclone Winston, Senibale says she’s coping with the increasing price of yaqona.
“Yaqona business is very hard and many know that but I have contacts who’ve made it run smoothly to date.”
Ms Senibale is also assisting her sister’s tie and dye business selling her products at her canteen.
Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj
