Trade grant empowers florist

What began as a simple passion for flowers has blossomed into a thriv­ng business for Sereana Tamani­sau, a 44-year-old entrepreneur and Trade Enhancement Programme Grant recipient.

A stay-at-home mother but now a full-time entrepreneur, Ms Tamanisa spent her early days creating floral wreaths and simple bouquets for church activities and family functions.

Her natural talent and love for nature soon caught attention, and before long, she be­gan charging for her work.

What started as a passion soon became a registered business. Ms Tamanisa launched Jedidiah Flowers, a name inspired by the meaning "the loved ones," and established her presence through social media to reach a wider market.

She heard of the Trade Enhancement Pro­gramme Grant under the Ministry of Com­merce and Business Development, sought assistance from Business Assistance Fiji, where the Business Support Officer verified her documents, created her cashflow and submitted the grant application.

A few months later, she received a call that she was successful.

Reflecting on her journey three years af­ter receiving the grant, she described it as transformational.

"The grant was useful. It catapulted my small business to another level and allowed me to compete with established florists," she said.

Sereana Tamanisa created a floral gift for the First Lady, Emily Lalabalavu.

Photo: Supplied

With the $1000 grant awarded, she was able to purchase essential equipment to scale her operations, including tables, chairs, floral oasis, scissors, fabrics, paint, flowers, and basic printing tools.

"Back then, items were more affordable, and I managed to get so much from the grant. It gave me everything I needed to up­scale," she said.

Guided by faith and determination, Sere­ana continued refining her craft and grow­ing her clientele.

"I prayed to God about my designs and my business and kept working hard. From there, I never looked back."

Today, Jedidiah Flowers serves clients both locally and internationally, with her work in high demand for special occasions and high-end orders.

Ms Tamanisa said her floral arrange­ments have been flown to Taveuni, Labasa, and Nadi to meet client requests, an achievement that reflects the quality and reputation of her designs.

"Many times my flowers have their own seats on Pacific Link, and I am always so proud to say this to people," she said.

Her expanding client base now includes government agencies, non-government or­ganisations, and United Nations organisa­tions, and she recently created a floral gift for the First Lady of Fiji, Emily Lalabalavu.

Ms Tamanisa credits not only the grant but also the hands-on support she received throughout the application process.

She said Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) played a critical role in her success by guid­ing her through grant requirements, clari­fying documentation, assisting with cash flow preparation, and supporting the final submission.

"If it were not for the grant, and specifical­ly the assistance I received from Business Assistance Fiji, and of course the inspira­tion from God, I would not have been able to bring my business to this level," she said.

Now a strong advocate for small business­es, Sereana encourages other MSMEs to seek assistance from BAF, noting that many entrepreneurs miss out simply because they are unsure where to start.

"Don't be afraid to ask for help. Business Assistance Fiji is there to guide you step by step. That support can change your busi­ness," she said.

For MSMEs seeking guidance, Business Assistance Fiji, in partnership with Busi­ness Link Pacific, continues to provide na­tionwide support to assist entrepreneurs in transforming passion into sustainable and successful enterprises.