Expo empowers Tinai to achieve financial independence
Sainiana Tinai shares her 15-year journey from hardship to entrepreneurship, inspiring others to start small businesses.
Monday 06 October 2025 | 07:00
Market vendor Sainiana Tinai during the women’s mini expo at the Gujarati grounds in Ba on October 2, 2025.
Photo: Supplied
Ba market vendor Sainiana Tinai believes women’s expos are a powerful platform for women to step out of their comfort zones and work towards financial independence.
Originally from Wainibuka Village in Tailevu and raised in Namosau, Ba, Ms Tinai shared her story during the Western-Northern Mini Women’s Expo at the Gujarati grounds in Ba last Thursday.
“I started my business in 2010 after moving into a Housing Assistance and Relief Trust (HART) home following my divorce,” said Ms Tinai, a single mother of two sons.
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For the past 15 years, she has sold her homemade tamarind chutney, cushions, potholders, and shopping bags at the Ba Market.
She also works as a florist, selling flowers such as hibiscus, croton, gloria, and bougainvillea from home.
“I’ve worked very hard over the years to provide for my sons’ education and to give them a good life,” she said.
Ms Tinai graduated with a sewing certificate from the Ba Women’s Forum Development Training Centre after completing vocational training at Ba Sangam School.
She is currently studying baking and pastry, computer studies, and weaving at the same centre.
She said the expo gave women the opportunity to showcase their talents, gain business exposure, and inspire others to start small enterprises.
“The turnout was great, and many women displayed a wide range of products to motivate others,” she said.
“Sales were good too — people really loved my chutney and cushions.”
Ms Tinai is calling on women to trust themselves, keep learning, and persevere through financial hardship.
Ba Women’s Forum Development Training Centre president, Dr Maria Doton, said the expo aimed to highlight the skills of over 100 participating women and help them generate sustainable income.
“The expo opens doors for women to connect with potential buyers and investors who can support them in starting or expanding their businesses,” Dr Doton said.
“It’s about empowering women to achieve financial stability through their own hard work and creativity.”
