Prashita Devi has come a long way from the life she lived while growing up to now one of perseverance.

Though 23, the Savusavu woman has accomplished what most could only dream of in their lifetime.

But this has not come with a mixture of decisions yet tough ones to make along the way.

When she dropped out of high school at Year 13, her initial plan was to enrol herself into foundation studies and eventually into nursing school.

But this did not pan out because she realised, while she worked for a construction company, she found that she was leaning onto a more business-oriented mindset.

That’s when she wanted realised that she wanted to be a businesswoman.

While growing up, Ms Devi watched her father and mother beat themselves to work by selling bean and Indian sweets at the bus stand.

From that point on, she told herself that she wanted to give her parents a life worth living and one where she can pursue her dream whatever it may be.

Turning point

While working for the construction company, her father, now bedridden after suffering from stroke, gave her his savings.

Together with savings of her own, last year, she opened a mini mart on the main street of Savusavu Town.

If that’s not enough, her zeal to making her life comfortable, she is completing her Diploma in Business Administration from the University of the South Pacific.

Her ultimate goal is to start an event planning company in Savusavu because she believes she can find a niche there.

When asked of her inspiration, Ms Devi said her mother, Manjila Devi has been her driving force.

“She worked tirelessly to help us four siblings to get our education, get married and have a family,” Ms Devi said.

“My parents used to sell Indian sweets at Savusavu Bus Station and we used to accompany them.”

The youngest of four siblings said that is when she experienced what honest and hard work meant.

“I want to become Savusavu’s first successful event planner and that is why I ventured into a different business employing two staff,” she said.

“It isn’t easy at all to hold so many responsibilities, but with the grace of God I am able to do what I like.”

Ms Devi is currently employed at Savusavu’s Nilesh Ram Construction Company.

Edited by Ranoa Baoa

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