A single mother of three children has come a long way to establishing her little business with her two daughters to earn a little extra money for the family.
Michelle Singh, 41, was born in Suva and shares maternal links to Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, in Vanua Levu. Singh says she started making jewellery 13 years ago as a hobby.
“I enjoy stringing my necklaces. It has been passion of mine ever since,” she said.
It was only a hobby until one day when push came to shove that hobby turned into a career to support her children.
“I started my handmade jewellery business 13 years ago as a hobby. I worked with coconut shells which I would drill holes in and string up collection.
“I also work with a variety of beads, fresh water pearls, semi-precious stones, crystals, glass beads to name a few.
Singh said the driving force behind her business came from her children as she was a single parent at the time.
Singh operates her business from her home in Laucala Beach and sells her creations online and at the Garden City Market in Suva.
Now years later her two daughters have joined in and it has become a family affair.
“Since I’m a ‘staying at home mum’ this is my side business, which happens to be my hobby. I get to work at my own pace and be my own boss and just enjoy doing what I love. I do this out of passion in the comfort of my home,” she said.
She said her first time was tough because she wasn’t confident of getting customers but, friends and family gave the encouragement.
“I didn’t have much confidence until close friends and relatives told me that my pieces were unique and they gave me the encouragement I needed to boost my confidence.
“Eventually I gave it a try and went out there looking for customers and advertising my products.”
The business had some ups and downs, but Singh said she continued through even when business was slow.
“Even though there is a pandemic my business is going well. It’s a blessing to be able to make money at the end of the week,” Singh said.
“Again my inspiration comes from my daughters who are also young entrepreneurs.
“Our main customers are locals, we have overseas customers as well and would love to thank them all for supporting our home-based business. You can get us on Facebook or on Instagram and at The Garden City Market which is held monthly.”
Singh books a stall at every Roc Market event. “I do the Garden City Market with my daughters and we make enough to buy our next batch of beads, save a little and spend a little.
“It’s never too late to follow your dreams despite the obstacles. Never give up and keep on going. Learn to accept all the good and all the bad experiences.
“Respect other people. But most importantly pray about it and be committed,” Singh said.
