Small business owner Stella Tiko Simpson has encouraged other small businesses to continue to explore the opportunities of online sales as she has during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mrs Simpson whose had her permit to operate her business approved by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport is happy to be back in business and has re-employed three staff members who are producing face masks.
The owner of Shop Pepe and Pepe Fiji, a little boutique located in the heart of Suva, retails island-inspired clothing and homeware housing local brands such as Simple Living, Kula Palms and Cheeky Jale to name a few.
“Re-opening our doors meant we are able to reinforce value-chains supporting small businesses involved in producing kidswear, honey, handmade jewellery, washable napkins and sanitary pads,” Mrs Simpson said.
“While it has been a long time and I have been working from my store with the support of my staff who are working from home, we have been able to meet our export orders bound for Papua New Guinea and American Samoa,” she adds.
