Local Businesses Heed ‘Mask Up’ Call

Many local fashion and tailoring businesses are creating opportunities for themselves in these trying times.

They are making affordable colourful and reusable masks to help the nation mask up and fight COVID-19.

Back in business

After her stall burnt down last year Talei Tikomaisolomone struggled to get back on her feet.

The 41-year-old had a tailoring business at the flea market before the fire in 2020.

She then resorted to selling roti parcels in Nadawa and at Ratu Sukuna Park

She earned enough money from selling roti parcels to buy herself a new sewing machine and pay for a stall at the Suva Flea Market in November, last year.

Ms Tikomaisolomone said her family struggled to survive during the COVID-19 lockdown last year.

She was thankful that those difficult days are over.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions implemented by the Fiji Government, her tailoring business has suffered a downturn. But her face masks have been a hit.

“I started sewing the face masks last week and till now I have sold over 200 face masks,” she said.

“I am contributing towards the Fijian economy and preparing myself if the situation gets worse, I will at least have money to feed my family.”

Ms Tikomaisolomone sells washable face masks for $3 each and if you buy more than three pairs, you can get the face masks for $2 each.

For orders, you can contact her on 8075192.

Roshni Devi is selling her face masks at $2 each.

Flea market vendor Roshni Devi 50, making face masks in Suva on the 23rd April 2021. Photo: Leon Lord

“I have been making face masks for the last two days and have made around 100 face masks,” she said.

“There was a shortage and an increase in the price of face masks last year. I do not want that to happen again this year.

“I am selling the face masks at a lower price so that poor people are able to buy it,” she said.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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