Makelesi Caine was made redundant in May last year after COVID-19 shutdown Fiji’s tourism industry forcing thousands of hotel workers on redundancy or put a on a massive pay cut.
Makelesi was a chief de partie at the prestigious Fiji Marriott Resort in Nadi for the past 20 years.
“When I lost my job, my husband was also made redundant because we both worked at the resort.
“It was a frightening experience for the both of us — we had to work out something because we had three children to feed along with bills to pay.
Makelesi said the first few days were tough and one of the most challenging times for her family.
Even though small assistance was available to them, she knew something more needed to be done.
So she turned to the only life-skill she knew she had and with two decades of experience she began to bake from home.
Being a chef de partie or station chef (a chef in charge of a particular area of production in a restaurant) — she knew the recipes and techniques like the back of her hand. She began collecting orders for cakes for all occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. Her friends, who ordered from her helped spread the word.
“When I was working, I used to get private orders from clients but now that I’m at home it’s given me the opportunity to really explore my skills full-time. Overtime, I managed to collect orders from all over Nadi and even from Suva.
“With this second wave of the pandemic hitting us, I still receive orders in the Nadi containment area,” Makelesi says.
She acknowledged the support of her husband and her children.
“My husband actually stepped up and told me that we could do orders. Since he had hands-on experience, he was in-charge of collecting orders — he does the marketing and I just supervise the baking of cakes.”
Makelesi said she owed it to all to God for keeping her family together during these trying times, and thankful to have acquired this set of skills which took years of endurance and patience.
“Our small family business is going fine so far and now my 19-year-old daughter is into baking and I’m teaching her a few tricks about baking with a touch of class.
“This week I have another order so this business of mine is helping me with payments of our bills along with keeping up with our FNPF contribution every fortnight,” she in an interview with The Fiji Times on Wednesday.
She has three children, a pair of twins and a daughter.
“My daughter is staying home at the moment and so too are my twins who both attended Year 7 at St Andrew’s Primary School — so we all help out with baking and our usual cooking and cleaning chores at home.
“My advice to other tourism workers also on redundancy is to please do not limit your capabilities. Whatever talent you have, make use of it and do not be afraid to try out a new business venture that could bring you money.
“If you have the will and determination, go for it.”
Makalesi said despite her new found business, she still loved her old job at the resort and would be willing to return when the border opens to our visitors.
But until then she is doing her best to survive.
