When she started her vending business last year she had difficulty adjusting because everything was new to her. Fortunately for Vani Tikomaiseniai she quickly picked up the basics of selling and was able to run her business smoothly without guidance and assistance from relatives or fellow vendors.
The mother of two who hails from Galoa Village in Kadavu with maternal links to Makadru, Matuku in Lau said she was among the hundreds that lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. With nowhere to turn she said she did not want to rely on her husband and started applying for jobs to support her family and put food on the table.
“One day on my way back from an interview I decided to visit my cousin a market vendor at the Suva Municipal Market,” Mrs Tikomaiseniai said.
“She asked me if I wanted to help her run her stall and I agreed. “We usually come and help her in the afternoons after school and the weekends too. A month after observing, managing and experience gained from running her cousin’s stall she said she did not think twice about starting her own vending business.
Thanks to FNPF COVID-19 Unemployment Assistance she was able to operate her vending business.
“I decided to start my own business because I wanted to know how it’s like to run my own business and how it’s like to be a market vendor,” Mrs Tikomaiseniai said.
“From there I went to see the Suva City Council offi cials to enquire about my eligibility to get a table. “I was advised by them to speak to the unregistered market vendors (these are the ones that are usually stationed outside the market.”
Luckily for her she said a market vendor gave her one of her tables and she has been there since. She started off selling pineapples and now she sells a variety of fruits, vegetables and root crops. Mrs Tikomaiseniai admits that vending is one of the fastest ways to earn money even though it can be a challenging work to do during these times.
“You have to wake up early in the mornings, come out of bed when other people are still sleeping and look for your vegetables and produce to sell.
“I usually buy my produce from middlemen. Once I buy it, I wash it which usually takes me hours before I set my table and wait for customers. “For me presentation on the table is very important. If the produce are unpresentable than people won’t buy it.”
Mrs Tikomaiseniai says there are times when people look down at them because of the nature of their work. “It might be a dirty work but it’s a good business and a fast way to make ends meet. From my experience it’s better than any other business.”
Mrs Tikomaiseniai said having a good heart was important because it goes a long way. “My only advice for the public is stop putting yourself down.
“There are other means to earn money and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. “When you want to earn money just stand up and move forward.
“Thank you FNPF.”
