The COVID-19 pandemic did not stop a Lautoka mother and her son from starting their new catering business.

Ann-Mariee Giblin and Joshua Stolz formed their individual businesses to provide for their family.

Ms Giblin, 47, began her business, Ann-Mariee Delights and Catering in August last year while her son, Joshua formed his Waini-Fire Kitchen and Catering business in February this year.

Cooking has always been a family passion and this mother and son decided to utilise their God-gifted skills.

Joshua, who will turn 21 this month, is a second year student at the Fiji National University pursuing his Diploma in Culinary Arts.

He is on the verge of doing his attachment.

“I had to do my attachment then COVID happened so I registered to start a business,” he said.

“Mum always loved cooking. She had stopped working and joined the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Microfinance Ltd last year.”

He said the new business secured income to help the family and created a stronger bond with his mother.

“My relationship while working with my mother has become stronger and at times it is a challenge for me to try and keep up with my mum who is hard working,” he said.

“She inspired me to cook because most of the time I was with her in the kitchen.”

Their dishes range from Fijian and Indian, Western and Chinese cuisine which they sell weekly on Thursday and Friday.

The food prices range from $5 to $70 as they also provide catering services for all sorts of occasions.

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj