Mat Weaving Skills Benefits Father Of Three

Eager to maintain the knowledge of weaving mats from his grandmother at an early age has now benefitted Kolinio Lesi.

Hailing from Vanuabalavu in Lau, the father of three children established a small business two weeks ago named “Vitivou Creative Company”.

Based in Suva, he weaves mats and also screen prints traditional designs.

The unmarried 41-years-old has also revealed his mat weaving videos in his Facebook account.

Work

After leaving high school, Mr Lesi took up a different profession.

He once worked as a caretaker and did some construction work before he joined the tourism industry.

After being afflicted with an illness and going through an operation he decided to resign and stayed at home.

At home, he revived his weaving skills and decided to establish a business to generate income to support his family.

“During this pandemic, it was not easy to live in the city. The cost of living is high,” he said.

“I am thankful for the Government Small Business Grant. I established and registered my business two weeks ago.”

He said his passion for weaving mats and other traditional weavings started with his grandmother.

Knowledge

“I was really eager to learn and maintain that knowledge because I knew it would sustain a better future for me.”

Furthermore Mr Lesi said that men should not shy away from engaging in weaving mats.

“Men and women both have the strength and the power to do anything and we can’t differentiate what they are capable of,” he said.

He added that all his mats have been sold out thanks to customers here and abroad.

“Some now have placed their orders and more are eager to come and learn the art of weaving”.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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