A 30-year-old who was raised at St Christopher’s Home has taken a bold step to open a bar in the bustling Samabula suburb.

Sanjana Jayrrad last night officially opened her very own, Happy Tummy Bar at Magson Plaza, serving residents, university students and more.

It is open daily between 11am to 10pm subject for review with curfew hours.

In honour of the home which, she said, had greatly impacted her life, she invited St Christopher’s Home residents and staff as guests last night.

The single mother, whose husband died in October told of her journey and why she made the bold move to open the bar on the heels of the pandemic.

“From a young person’s perspective, investment plans take a lot of research, time and money,” she said.

Sanjana Jayrrad – owner of recently opened Happy Tummy Bar at Magson Plaza, Samabula, Suva.

“At the height of a pandemic all you need is the sheer determination to challenge yourself and push beyond your potential.”

“I always believe in the saying ‘if your own story doesn’t inspire you, it’s time to rewrite it’.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the many beautiful people who impacted my life whilst I was growing up,” she said.

“I always loved food and flavours.”

“Being raised in a large home, we were allowed to explore beyond our capabilities and food was something I found great interest in.”

“I worked in a construction company for almost six years until I decided it was time to trade my safety shoes for a better one.”

“Coming this far wasn’t easy.”

“I had to sell off my favourite ride to start financing the business.”

“I built my bar in April just before the second wave of COVID-19.”

“I encountered battles like everyone else in this pandemic and unfortunately fell victim of the virus myself.”

“After the death of my husband, Ronal Kavitesh Sharma, I decided that it was time to finally launch just the way he wanted it.”

“I will always be thankful for the sisters of the home who work tirelessly to give their life to raise the underprivileged in society.”

“A special one especially for those who have departed us to be with God and those who have retired from old age especially to Nenna Sr Mele Tuineau in Tonga.”

Since April, Ms Jayrrad has invested $70,000. The bar, positioned strategically next to the Fiji National University, employs seven people and has a seating capacity of up to 60 people.

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj