A solution to years of struggle for Akanisi Resina Nautu came in the form of a prophecy from her pastor.

The 46-year-old, owner and director of The Wedding & Events Atelier Fiji, a business she runs with the help of her children, endured many hardships before her breakthrough.

Ms Nautu was raised by her maternal grandmother, who she described as a strong, independent woman.

“Poverty didn’t stop her from caring for five of us,” she said.

By the time Ms Nautu was 21, she had three daughters under the age of three and struggled to care for them. Years later, she was alone with nine children who were completely dependent on her.

“My eldest daughter and I sold second-hand clothes online to survive. We couldn’t afford to pay our rent; we struggled to buy diapers and milk and pay our bills,” she said.

Uncertain about her family’s future, a prediction from her church pastor would change her life forever.

Ms Nautu registered her company, The Wedding & Events Atelier Fiji in June 2022, a year after she was told by her pastor what would happen.

As a wedding stylist, her focus is on the aesthetics of her client’s wedding day: conceptualising an overall theme, designing a custom colour palette, figuring out elements to incorporate into the ceremony, designing details for the reception, consulting on stationary and so forth.

She has styled over a hundred weddings and is out of poverty.

“We have two cars, can afford to pay our rent and support ministry work, and we have never looked back,” she said.

“We have been blessed to recruit more staff and be able to extend the grace that was extended to us.”

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The ability to bring a client’s vision to life on their special day and be creative with what we do.

I particularly enjoy working with wedding industry stakeholders and vendors locally.

What is your favourite food to eat?

I absolutely love Korean barbecue from GEN Korean BBQ House, Jetpoint, Nadi.

What are your go-to destinations to unwind with the family?

Warwick Fiji and Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji.

They have hands down the best service for families.

What are your top bucket list destinations?

Savusavu and Taveuni.

What makes Fiji such an ideal destination for travel and business?

The people and culture.

Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj