For 15 years, Nina Tuimouta has been building her business at the Suva Municipal Market, serving customers with fresh flowers and a warm smile.
Originally from Nasau, Koro in Lomaiviti, Nina’s business journey began with selling fruits and vegetables. Over time, she saw an opportunity to pursue a different path and transitioned into floristry. Today, she operates a successful flower business, supplying customers with fresh blooms and fulfilling orders daily.
For Nina, success comes from consistency and putting customers first.
“I always make sure my table is full and well-presented because customers are coming every day. When people see fresh flowers and a nice display, they keep coming back,” she says.
Like many small business owners, Nina faced challenges as her business grew. One of the biggest was transportation. Before owning a vehicle, she relied on wheelbarrows and public transportation to move flowers between suppliers, the market, and customers.
“Before, I used to pay for a wheelbarrow, take my flowers to the bus, and then arrange for someone to collect them. It wasn’t easy and took a lot of time.”
As demand for her flowers increased, Nina recognised the need for a more efficient way to manage her operations. Investing in a vehicle helped transform her business.
“Now it’s much easier to transport flowers and make deliveries. Everything has become simpler. My suppliers are happy, my customers are happy, and I can serve them better.”
Having reliable transportation has enabled Nina to manage deliveries more efficiently, maintain a consistent supply of flowers, and focus on growing her business.
Looking back on her journey, Nina hopes her experience encourages other women and small business owners to believe in themselves and invest in their future.
“If I can do it, you can do it too. Don’t look down on yourself. Work hard, have good intentions, and believe in what you’re doing.”
She believes that determination, resilience, and a positive mindset are key to success.
“When you do good and have good intentions, your business will thrive, and good things will come your way.”
Nina’s story is a powerful reminder that growth often starts with a single step. Through hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, she has continued to grow her business and create a brighter future for herself and her family.
Her message to other women-led businesses and MSMEs is simple: believe in your potential, be confident in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to take the next step in growing your business.
