From bakery worker to business owner: Varma’s journey at 32

What started as a school holiday job has come full circle for Sumit Vikash Varma, who is now running his own bakery business in Labasa at the age of 32.

Mr Varma opened Varma’s Hot Bread and Groceries Investment in Labasa Town last Saturday, turning years of experience and sacrifice into reality.

The Siberia, Labasa resident began working at just 16, helping his father, Jai Prasad, at the NewWorld Supermarket bakery. He later followed in his father’s footsteps, working at Ranas Bakery and CJS Supermarket bakery.

His dream of further studies in baking after Year 13 at Shiri Guru Nanak Khalsa College was put on hold when his father suffered a stroke, forcing him to step up for his family.

Years later, he tried his hand at business in Suva, starting Varma’s Maintenance Services, but eventually returned home to support his loved ones.

“I worked at various places and my last job was at Extra Supermarket bakery,” Mr Varma said.

“I did a market survey and found there was no bread shop open after 10pm or before 5am in Labasa, even though there was demand from customers.”

Seeing an opportunity, he secured a $35,000 loan from the Fiji Development Bank and set up his bakery along Naseakula Road.

The business now operates from 4.30am to 11pm daily and employs three staff.

“I would like to thank my parents, wife and brother for their support in helping me achieve my dream,” he said.

“I also thank FMF for their support.”

Mr Varma said the convenience of extended hours and quality bread set his business apart as Labasa continues to grow.

“We all know Labasa Town is growing and with growth comes more movement of people and increased needs,” he said.

“We have different working-class people and the fastest, easiest food to prepare for any meal is bread.”

He encouraged young people facing setbacks not to give up on their ambitions.

“Looking after my parents is my responsibility and I always believed that God would enable me to live my dream when the time was right — and this is the right time for me,” he said.