“Just do it” | Ms. Mei runs two businesses

Curiosity and drive are two of the main principles that guide Tarusila Mei.

The 40-year-old has been a market vendor for more than a decade and her guiding principles have taught her valuable life lessons and, surprisingly, awakened new talents in her.

Ms May used her time to learn and make one of Fiji’s most popular accessories – the salusalu.

The idea started as a curiosity for Ms. May, who often observed her friends assembling colorful and creative creations.

“My salusalu business started around 2018,” she said.

“Sometimes I would sit and watch other women making salusalu to sell. Not only would this pique my curiosity, but the women themselves would suggest that I could do the same.

“They told me all I needed was the willingness to do it, and so my journey began.

“It’s definitely time consuming, but it’s been a fun experience.”

Mrs May made her own Salusalus for her two children at their graduation ceremonies in 2018. Seeing the children wearing the Salusalus that she had made with so much patience and love made the occasion even more memorable.

“My second daughter was in Class 7 at the time and won a progress award, while my other child was in Class 3 and ranked first in the class.

“It was a joyful and motivating time for me, in fact, it fueled my passion to create more work.”

Since then, public feedback has been very positive and Mrs May felt a responsibility to create a well-thought-out design to meet the needs of her customers.

She said she managed two successful businesses that achieved their success through hard work and perseverance.

She also runs the vegetable stall that her mother-in-law opened many years ago.

“My brother-in-law has land in Narala and he provides me with root crops and vegetables. Like all businesses, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

“If I don’t have a certain produce, then I usually buy it from a middleman.

Her daily routine is to wake up around 4 a.m. to pray and then prepare lunch for the children.

In addition to her busy life, Ms. May enjoys listening to gospel music in her free time.

She said she plans to expand the business over the next five years.

Her only advice to women is to not ignore gender barriers in their quest for success and a prosperous life.

She added: “If you want to, do it.”