From Nayau Village in Lau to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Suva, Futi Kotoisuva’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and determination.
Married and living in Serea Village, Naitasiri, Futi spent 19 years travelling daily between Naitasiri and Suva to operate her business. One of her biggest challenges was transportation. The daily cost of bus and taxi fares often placed significant pressure on her finances. There were days when business earnings were low, yet she still had to cover the cost of getting home.
Despite these challenges, Futi remained committed to her dream. She understood that growing her business would require careful planning and investment. One of her key goals was to secure her own transport, helping reduce travel expenses, improve time management, and create greater opportunities for business growth.
Today, Futi proudly owns Kotoisuva Investment, operating two market stalls in Suva. Her day begins at 6:00am, when she opens her stalls to serve customers. With the support of her family, particularly her children who often help manage the business when needed, she has been able to keep her operations running and continue building on her success.
Through years of hard work and perseverance, Futi has proven that success does not happen overnight. It comes from staying focused, believing in yourself, and pushing forward even when circumstances are difficult.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners is clear:
“Don’t look down on yourself. Be patient, work hard, and always try your best.”
She also encourages entrepreneurs to seek support when they need it.
“Merchant Finance is there to support small business owners. If you have a dream and are willing to work for it, don’t be afraid to explore opportunities that can help your business grow.”
Futi’s journey is an inspiring reminder that with determination, family support, and access to the right opportunities, even the biggest challenges can be overcome. From humble beginnings to running two successful stalls in Suva, she continues to show that hard work and perseverance can turn dreams into reality
