Labasa teen invests $50K to open play centre in the northern town

Rara Housing Estate resident Litisha Baptist, 18, has made a bold move by investing $50,000 to open Twinkle Creams, a children’s play centre in Labasa.

The play centre offers a safe and fun space for children, complete with an ice cream corner that introduces a fresh and exciting concept for families in the northern town. Ms Baptist said the idea was born out of her passion to do something different for her community.

“If you have any ideas, you should go for it,” she said. She encouraged other young people to follow their dreams.

“I was very excited to open the play centre, and I am very happy about it. Only hard work was needed to set it up.”

She added that her business venture was also a stepping stone for her own future.

“This business helps me become financially independent to support my studies in the future, and it also serves as a backup,” Ms Baptist said.

The centre is busiest on weekends when children are free from school and parents look for safe activities to keep them engaged. “It’s something new, a new concept for Labasa,” she said.

Ms Baptist has already started planning for the future, with an upcoming addition to the Twinkle Toys business. Her initiative is being seen as an inspiration for Labasa’s youth, showing what determination and courage can achieve at any age.