Taveuni entrepreneur pursues business opportunities

Taveuni-born Ana Malumuvatu considers herself a dreamer.

The 39-year-old has plans to set up a commercial kitchen to increase her product line of kava infused confectionery and baked goods. Currently, her small business, Kavalicious-Taveuni sells kava and kava cookies at her Kava bar in Martintar, Nadi, and the Nadi International Airport. The fourth youngest of 11 siblings, Ana grew up in Vuna village, working on her parents’ teitei (plantation), collecting coconuts and cutting copra.

“Life is tough for farmers. My parents struggled to make ends meet. They would have to travel long distances to Labasa or Suva, sleeping on the pavement, trying to sell their kava or dalo. Fluctuating prices and high travel costs affected my parents’ ability to provide for our large family,” she said.

Due to financial constraints, Ana was forced to leave school at 15 years old. This defining moment ignited her desire to work hard to own her own business.

Fast-forward twenty-four years and today Ana has proven there is no substitute for hard work and perseverance.