Blink & Buy brings affordable fashion to Labasa

Former journalist and communications professional Shirika Shalini has turned her passion for fashion into a business with the opening of Blink & Buy in Labasa.

The boutique, located beside Underground Club in Labasa Town, aims to make trendy and affordable fashion more accessible to people in the North.

Ms Shalini, a mother of three, said she built the business from the ground up through determination and hard work.

"I built it from my own ideas, determination and hard work because I wanted to create something that didn't depend on waiting for a monthly salary," she said.

"I often asked myself, If one day there were no jobs available, where would I work?

"That question inspired me to create my own opportunity and, at the same time, create opportunities for others."

She said the business started with a simple goal of bringing fashionable, affordable products to Labasa.

"Not everyone has the opportunity to shop online, so I wanted to make those latest styles available locally at prices people can genuinely afford," she said.

The 33-year-old former Land Transport Authority public relations officer said Blink & Buy now holds more than $20,000 worth of stock and she hopes to continue expanding the business.

"My vision is to continue growing and make Blink & Buy even bigger and better for the people of Labasa."

Ms Shalini credited her father, a businessman in Savusavu, her husband, a nurse at Labasa Hospital, and her staff for supporting her journey.

She also acknowledged Paradise Exclusive owner Sharin Dutt, whose advice encouraged her to start the business.

"She simply replied, 'Why are you planning? Just do it.'"

Ms Shalini said those words gave her the confidence to pursue her dream despite having limited resources.

"I didn't have a big budget or everything figured out, but I had determination," she said.

She hopes her journey will inspire more women to support one another and pursue their own ambitions.

"Blink & Buy is proof that you don't need to start with everything—you just need to start."