From the moment Rojina Nisha stepped into her first restaurant job at just 18 years old, she knew exactly what she wanted her future to look like. The warmth of serving customers, the satisfaction of preparing food people enjoyed, and the dream of one day owning her own restaurant stayed with her for years.
But dreams often need more than determination. They need support. And for Rojina, that support started at home. Her husband and her mother stood by her side through every step, encouraging her to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
Her first restaurant operation was in 2019, however, after only 6 months of operation, her business was hit by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing her to close the restaurant. She then secured employment at another restaurant to support her family’s living expenses but despite these challenges, Rojina persevered.
When she finally decided to start her business, the excitement quickly collided with harsh realities. The biggest hurdle? Financing. She approached several financial institutions, hoping to secure a loan to help launch her restaurant. But each visit rendered her with the same continuous negative result, disheartening her to pursue her dream further.
Despite almost giving up, it was her husband who gave her the push she needed. He insisted she try one last place, Merchant Finance.
When she walked into Merchant Finance, everything took a turn for the better. At the branch, she was introduced to the Marama Finance team, and for the first time in her journey, she felt hopeful. The staff guided her through every requirement, answered every concern, and helped her compile her documents.
Shortly after submitting her application, her loan was approved.
Today, her restaurant, Yes Papa, is located along the well-known Raojibhai Patel Street in Suva City, where the inviting aroma of freshly prepared meals draw customers in throughout the day. The menu offers a selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, blending Indian and Chinese cuisine to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
“Aaj hum apan dream pura kar paya aur apan own restaurant chalaye laga. Hum aur huma mother ke liye bahut khusi ke baat hai because hum apan mother ke eke ladki hai aur huma mother aur huma husband humme bahut support karis hai. Huma family huma saathe huma business me hai, hum bahut proud feel karta hai.”said Rojina
English translation: “I have been able to open a restaurant and fulfil my dream and one of my proudest moments of running this business is the involvement of my family and witnessing my mother’s joy as I lead my own restaurant”.
Yes Papa is also next to a popular Suva city parking area where she sees customers coming in looking for a quick, easy and affordable takeaway, with much-loved snacks such as samosas, bara, and other savoury favorites lined up at the food counter.
Many women now come to her seeking advice on how to start their own businesses. And her answer is always the same:
“Merchant Finance jaao, aap wahan jaaega, aaplogan kuch bhi mangata, chahe chota ya small bada business kare mangta, ulong (MFL) bahut acha hai. Dekho hum gaya raha huma loan process hoyegaye, huma business chalelaga. Aap logan ke service acha hai, sab kuch acha hai.”said Rojina
English translation: “Go to Merchant Finance. Whether you want to start small or big, they will help you with your loan process. Visit Marama Finance and talk to the staff, they will guide you.”
Though the start-up phase has been slow, she continues to serve workers and visitors in and around Raojibhai Patel street with high spirits. Customer by customer, day by day, she is building something meaningful and she knows growth takes time.
Her story is just the beginning for her and her family. It is also a testament to family support, and the power of financial services designed specifically for women.
