Business venture excites Tamalesi

Labasa farmer and canteen owner expands income through vegetable sales and MSME expo exposure.

Tamalesi Diloilo of Lawaki, Korotari, Labasa, said she recently started selling vegetables this week, although she began farming about three to four years ago.

“I started selling vegetables like cabbage. At the moment, eggplant and beans are not ready for harvest and selling,” Ms Diloilo said.

She sells her produce to middlemen on wholesale and her canteen business helped rake in more income.

“Before owning a canteen in Korotari, I was a tailor, but after opening a canteen things changed. This canteen has helped me a lot with my resources and income. For farming, I do not have to buy vegetables,” she said.

The 55-year-old mother said her husband played a key role in supporting her farming and canteen.

“This expo was amazing and I would love to have this expo in the North in future,” she said.

“My message to women out there who want to open up a business is go ahead. This expo is a great opportunity for all of us,” she said.

devisha.prakash@fijisun.com.fj