A f l o r i s t , w h o  s t a r t e d her business in 1997, said the secret behind the continued success of her operations lay in the nature of the human heart.

Suva Municipal Market florist, Alavina Natarakete, 56, impresses on the importance of selling your product with a good heart.

“Never be ashamed to go out of your way to earn money,” the Natokolau, Bua, entrepreneur.

She started her business with an investment of $50.

“I have seen the fruits of my hard work finally paying off,” Ms Natarakete, said.

“It was an investment of a lifetime.” Ms Natarakete is president of the flower section at Suva municipal market

“Struggles and trying to make a living is determined by our attitude,” she said.

“People usually see us market vendors and florist as a low class job, but for us we market our produce, and earn cash at the same time.

“I personally experienced the benefits of selling flowers as a hobby; it has given me the opportunity to provide for my three children back when they were small.

Ms Natarakete plants flowers over five acres of land, in Waimaro, Naitasiri, an area her children and husband venture out to harvest flowers.

“When I got married, I got into this business, as I did not want to depend on my husband financially; and I still don’t,” she said.

“I tell the young married ones in my family to pursue more than one source of income.”

Story By: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj