SHEAS Kumari strikes a busy figure as she walked to and fro inside her small room, carrying out her measurement and cuttings.
The seamstress operates out of a small room within the vicinity of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei headquarters in Nabua.
From Bula (floral) shirts and dresses to blouses, Salwar Kameez and doormats, Sheas is experienced enough to deliver on time many of her orders.
Most of her customers are indigenous Fijians and this is reflected by the number of Bula or floral dresses that hung from the walls of the room.
It’s large customer base — one, that is cultivated from over three decades experience as a seamstress.
“Sewing is my talent,” Sheas said with a smile.
“I’ve been sewing clothes since I was a teenager. My mother was a seamstress, and she passed on the trade to me 30 years ago.”
Originally from Savusavu, on Vanua Levu, Sheas moved to Viti Levu after she got married. She stayed in Nausori near Kuku Village.
For many years, she served as a seamstress for many of the surrounding iTaukei villages in the area.
And she soon built up a reputation among them.
“Most of my customers are the indigenous Fijians.
“They love my sewing.
“I was in Nausori, along Naduru Rd, near Kuku Village, all the villagers there knew me.
“Then I was told about a space here in Nabua, so I approached the Soqosoqo Vakamarama last year and I thank them for allowing me to do my business from here.
“I am a widow, my husband passed away four years ago, so I was left with our only son to look after.
“It has been tough, but I just continue with what I have.
“My God has been good to me,” the devout Christian said.
While her income varies, her busy times are often during Christmas, New Year, Diwali celebrations or Easter and that’s not including the Fijian functions when she has to do kalavata or a range of dresses and bula shirts with the same prints.
The 53-year-old says the Soqosoqo Vakamarama has been helpful to all women in Fiji and they help empower women to empower others.
“I just want to share a word of empowerment for the women – whatever you have as a talent — use it for income generation, it will help your family.
“I believe God has given us all a talent and we should use it wisely. Lastly, I’d like to say that God is good.”
