Lautoka couple turns pandemic idea into growing coffin business

What started as an idea during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a thriving family business for a Lautoka couple, who are now planning to expand their coffin making business across the Western Division.

Ratu Josefa Leleaveivono, 34, and his wife, Silina Tamanitoakula, 34, operate their business from their home in Kashmir, Lautoka.

The couple, who have two children, recently received a boost after being presented with a new minivan through support from the iTaukei Affairs Board's iTaukei Business Support Fund.

Representatives from the Board's Commercial Unit handed over the vehicle, valued at $35,000, last week.

The vehicle was funded through a $10,000 investment from the iTaukei Affairs Board, while the couple secured a $23,000 loan from Merchant Finance to cover the remaining cost.

The vehicle was funded through a $10,000 investment from the iTaukei Affairs Board, while the couple secured a $23,000 loan from Merchant Finance to cover the remaining cost.

The pair hope to establish outlets in Lautoka, Ba and Tavua as demand for their products continues to grow.

Mr Leleaveivono is from Bukama, Yasawa, while Mrs Tamanitoakula is from Nasau, Koro, in the Lomaiviti Group.

Roko Tui Ba Iliesa Delasau said the support was aimed at helping young entrepreneurs expand their businesses.

“I would like to thank the iTaukei Affairs Board and the Government for their support,” Mr Delasau said.

“This initiative is part of our commitment to supporting iTaukei-owned businesses. We are pleased to assist this young couple as they continue to grow and succeed.”

Mrs Tamanitoakula, who works at the Hilton Fiji Resort and Spa, said the business idea emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when they noticed an increase in deaths within communities.

She said her husband left his job with the Fiji Bureau of Statistics and, in 2024, they officially launched their business.

“He learned how to make different coffin designs through YouTube tutorials,” she said.

The couple later created a Facebook page, J&L Coffin Box, which quickly attracted customers and generated a steady stream of orders.

She said her husband left his job with the Fiji Bureau of Statistics and, in 2024, they officially launched their business.

“We receive many orders from Fijians living overseas who want customised coffins for their loved ones in Fiji,” Mrs Tamanitoakula said.

Their coffins are personalised with the deceased's photograph, full name, date of birth and date of death.

“We have received strong demand for our personalised and customised coffin boxes. We provide complete coffins with decorative interiors, silk lining and pillows.”

She said standard coffins are priced at $450, while larger coffins can cost up to $900, depending on the size required.

The new minivan is expected to significantly improve the business's operations.

“Previously, we had to hire transport services to deliver our coffins. With this vehicle, transportation will be much easier and will help increase our sales,” she said.

The business now offers a complete package that includes transportation services, with standard packages starting from $1200.

“The vehicle allows us to transport the coffin from our home to the hospital and then transport the deceased from the hospital to the family home or burial site.”

Reflecting on their journey, Mrs Tamanitoakula encouraged other young couples to pursue their business ambitions.

“We started with very little. We want to encourage young couples not to be afraid to take the first step and start the business they have been thinking about,” she said.