Beauty professional turns entrepreneur with new Labasa salon

Years of experience in the beauty and retail industries have helped Anaya Nadia Devi turn her dream of owning a salon into reality after opening Anaya's Glohaven Beauty Salon in Labasa in January this year.

The 33-year-old from Tuatua, Labasa, said working in a salon gave her the skills and confidence to pursue her own business, while her time in retail allowed her to save enough capital to make it happen.

Before becoming self-employed, Ms Devi worked in a salon before moving into the retail sector to save money and eventually establish her own business.

Her salon now offers a range of beauty services, including threading, waxing, protein treatments, gel polish, nail extensions, keratin treatments, permanent hair straightening, perms and manicures.

Despite her experience, Ms Devi said starting a business without family support was one of her greatest challenges.

"Starting up alone was very challenging, collecting capital on your own and having no family support at all," Ms Devi said.

She said customer numbers fluctuated, but she remained focused on growing the business one step at a time.

"At times we have customers, and at times there are ups and downs, but I am trying to build it step by step," she said.

Ms Devi hopes to expand the salon in the future but is concentrating on building a strong foundation.

"I really want to open my hair salon in a bigger way in the future, but for now I have just started small and I want to grow," she said.

She said raising her daughter as a single mother had been one of the greatest challenges of her life, but it had also strengthened her determination to succeed.

"Today, I feel proud of who I am and how far I have come," she said.

Ms Devi encouraged other single mothers to pursue their dreams despite the challenges they faced.

"My advice to all single mothers is to dream big and achieve it," she said.

"After encountering so many struggles, my message to all single mothers is that if you want to start your own business, you can just keep trying."

She said her journey proved that hard work and self-belief could turn dreams into reality.

"I saw a dream and today I am living one of those dreams. I wish to motivate other single mothers. No matter what you are facing, you are strong," she said.

Ms Devi said one of her proudest achievements was knowing her daughter looked up to her as an inspiration.

Customer Ms Anita Lata, of Namara, Labasa, said Ms Devi's determination and affordable services had earned her loyal support.

"Her work is amazing. She does threading for only $3, unlike other places that charge $5 to $6," Ms Lata said.

She said Ms Devi's affordable prices had made beauty services more accessible to women in Labasa, while her welcoming personality kept customers returning.