Nayarabale, Vaturova, Cakaudrove native, Tiko Ledua, 35, is a married mother of two, juggling home and running a business at the same time.
Ms Ledua, with a background in painting and interior decorating spanning 15 years, decided to venture into the entrepreneurial space four years ago when COVID-19 struck.
She started her art business in 2018 with some paint procured from her former workplace at APCO, coupled with a passion for doing what she loved, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that would redefine her life and take her places where she didn’t expect.
“My husband and I would scour our neighbourhood of Raiwai and Raiwaqa looking for discarded materials, basically anything that could be given a new lease of life via a fresh coat of paint or transforming it into another object that people would want. We would pick up old tyres, cardboards and empty pringles containers to create art and sell”.
“Little did I know that this creative endeavour would soon intertwine with the profound experience of motherhood, as I gave birth to a beautiful soul in 2019.”
Amidst the joy of new life, challenges surfaced, and it became evident that my entrepreneurial dreams needed a sturdy foundation”.
That came in the form of renowned educator and women’s advocate and mentor, the late Api Kurusiga, who together with the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council established the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in 2021.
The late Ms Kurusiga would play a very important role in guiding Ms Tiko through the labyrinth of entrepreneurship.
”Navigating this path was no easy feat, especially with my husband shouldering the responsibility of being the sole breadwinner.
Sacrifices became a daily ritual as we traded luxurious meals for essential art supplies, demonstrating unwavering support for my dreams.” she said.
Its was during the downturn created by the COVID-19 pandemic when businesses were closing and people were getting laid off work that Ms Tiko’s resilience and character came to the fore.
Instead of bucking under and folding like other small to medium businesses, she adapted, persevered, and maintained her focus on recycling.
The move paid off as not only were they able to sustain their business, but they also managed to find a niche market that welcomed their innovative ideas.
”The unwavering support of the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council and its members proved instrumental in our journey. Their encouragement and guidance propelled us forward, transforming challenges into stepping stones for growth.”
As she looks back at the start of their entrepreneurial journey and how far they have come, she can pat and congratulate herself for having the fortitude and her husband and young family for having the patience and resilience to stick it out during those troublesome and tumultuous times.
”As we reflect on our progress, it’s awe-inspiring to witness how far we’ve come since those humble beginnings.
Today, our up-cycled products stand as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of a supportive community. With gratitude in our hearts, we continue to forge ahead, fuelled by the belief that the best is yet to come in our entrepreneurial odyssey.”
Her entrepreneurial journey culminated with her being awarded the winning prize in the recent BizPitchComp 2023, a catalytic initiative by Business Link Fiji, Business Assistance Fiji, and Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation partnership aimed at promoting blended financing for MSMEs.
“It’s onwards and upwards from here, even with no working capital, it doesn’t and shouldn’t stop us from pursuing our dreams, and we are grateful to my family for the support and most importantly God, who is my source of creativity, strength, and wisdom.’’
