The Suva foreshore is abuzz with excitement as the site of the MSME Festive Market this week.
The three-day event is co-organised by the MSME Council, Knox Entertainment, and the ROC Market, with 76 local businesses participating.
Ellana Kalounisiga of Knox Entertainment, says the aim for the event is to “enable vendors to earn income during the festive season and to showcase the talents we have amongst the MSME sector.”
Offering a colorful display of nature-inspired artwork and Christmas-themed candles, sisters Sue and Mahi Deo began their professional creative pursuits three years ago.
Sue, the founder of Art & Ink, says most of her artworks are inspired by the beauty of the Fiji Islands. She says her love for art emerged at the age of nine.
“I had a neighbour who was also nine years old and he was very good at art. He gave me my first set of sketchbooks, pens, and pencils so that really started my desire to paint and get on with my art business,” the 21-year-old artist said.
Mahi, 26, who runs Alora Fiji, a small home decor business selling handcrafted soy and gel candles, says her products are “all scented and all made from scratch”.
“We started in 2021, when Covid hit, just to generate a little bit more money to keep the family going. We’re trying to get a lot of things that you don’t really see in Fiji and that the people here (can) gain access to these things, without having to pay a big price,” she said.
Rachael Mani of Moskoi Prints and Crafts says her sarong set has been selling like “hot cakes” since October this year and she is exporting to Pakistan, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and other countries.
“This is the season for it. Locals buy them as souvenirs and Christmas gifts for their families who live overseas,” said Mani.
Her sarong sets come in various colours, designed with motifs unique to the Samoan culture.
Mani has also seen the benefits of promoting her product online, particularly on Facebook.
“When I first started (this business), I did about 18 sarongs, worked the whole night and made a post about it at 3am. When I woke up around 8am, I saw my notifications were jam packed with messages from people wanting it, and I sold (them) all… It’s (been) an everyday sale (since),” she said.
Inspired by a friend from the Caribbean, Fiji’s Laura Tuvuki launched Attitude, a glass art jewellery business while working in Port Vila, Vanuatu in 2016.
At this week’s festive market, Tuvuki has prepared an array of beautiful necklaces, earrings, rings, and bottle stoppers.
“They’re all very unique. No two pieces are the same and they are inspired by the bold and vibrant colors of the South Pacific,” she said.
The 35-year-old entrepreneur recently launched ‘Rawa’, an earring collection dedicated to her late mother.
“These were popular at the (recent) ROC Market so I’ve made a couple more for this month… (It) was a brilliant turnout so thank you to everyone who came out to support,” she said.
While most of her materials are sourced from America, Tuvuki is also looking at upcycling local materials such as bottles and adding them to her jewelry pieces.
“Hopefully, I can launch a collection for that come next year,” she said.
Meanwhile, 37-year-old Faith Yolanta believes products by Bulavou “works wonders” for both men and women.
Yolanta is the content creator for Bulavou, a skincare company based in Tamavua offering nature-based solutions in treating various skin and hair conditions.
“One product I’ve been using is their hair protein called ‘Ulu Talei’. It’s got virgin coconut oil, flax seed, and vitamin E oil. After having my son, I had a lot of hair loss and it was quite discomforting so a friend asked if I wanted to try this hair protein, and since trying, there’s been less hair fall, and I’ve used it on my 5-year-old son as well, and his hair has been growing so well,” she shared.
Bulavou has a few Christmas specials on offer at this week’s festive market including a ‘Build Your Own Gift Bag’.
The MSME Christmas market continues tomorrow, Saturday December 21st.
