RABEN Bhan Singh used to earn $60 a week from two jobs he held back in the 80s. Today, though, he is one of Lautoka's success stories.
His two jobs helped make ends meet at home right up to the death of his father in 1988.
Mr Singh started work in 1978 as a photographer with Dal Ram Studios, which is still situated on the Sugar City's Vitogo Parade.
On his days off, at the weekend, he drove buses after acquiring a licence.
"I saw how Dal Ram Studios was run and felt I could make it in business," Mr Singh said.
"I think one of the greatest challenges we have is the willingness to accept change.
"A lot of people are scared to get out off their comfort zones."
An inspiration to many, Mr Singh comes from a farming background that has its origins along Sigatoka's Valley Road.
He earned $40 a week at Dal Ram's and $20 driving buses.
Those early pay days are appropriate reminders of the struggles of a man for whom hard work has finally paid off.
Mr Singh opened the first of his photo studios in October 1988.
He has never looked back since.
He bought the building housing his studio seven years later and moved his mum to Sydney in Australia.
Twenty-one years later, Mr Singh now owns nine photo studios throughout the Western Division, a real estate business, 100 rental vehicles, a taxi business, a restaurant and a poultry farm.
