MSME expo inspires soap maker

A Labasa entrepreneur says attending a recent micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) networking expo has given her new confidence to grow her business.

Milika Butulawe Curu, of Tuatua, Labasa, has operated her home-based business, Sovi Pure Coconut Soap, since 2010.

Ms Curu said the business began growing steadily in 2017, but attending the Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) and Business Link Pacific (BLP) MSME Networking Expo in the North recently gave her fresh ideas and renewed motivation.

"My soap business is called Sovi Pure Coconut Soap. The business started growing in 2017 and has continued to improve since then," she said.

She said it was her first time attending the expo after learning about it through a Business Assistance Fiji staff member.

Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, Ms Curu worked at Bayly Welfare. She resigned as demand for her products increased.

"I always believed I would own a business one day. There were many challenges along the way," she said.

The 60-year-old said the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest obstacles because supplies of coconut oil, the key ingredient in her soap, became difficult to obtain.

"Because I make coconut soap, I need coconut oil," she said.

Ms Curu described the expo as a valuable learning experience that broadened her perspective and encouraged her to keep moving forward.

"Sometimes we belittle ourselves. When business is slow and customers are not coming, this kind of expo helps a lot," she said.

She encouraged other small business owners to stay motivated and make use of the knowledge and experience shared during business networking events.