After spending two decades in the tourism industry, Meli Rokotakala finally discovered his true passion during a time of global crisis. In 2021, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, Meli had to leave his job in Nadi and return home at Nabalebale Village in Cakaudrove. It was during this period of uncertainty that Meli had a time of reflection to find out what kind of talent God had bestowed upon him.
While sitting in the serene surroundings of his backyard garden, Meli found himself drawn to the vibrant beauty of flowers. This newfound love for horticulture led him to start creating house decorations, a hobby that soon blossomed into a full-fledged business. Reflecting on his past experiences working with South Sea Cruises, Fiji Club, and Tuitai Adventure Cruises, Meli decided to channel his skills and passion into establishing his own venture—Meli’s Artfeast Investment.
Since then, Meli has become a sought-after event decorator in Savusavu and Labasa, lending his creative touch to a variety of occasions, including birthday parties, funerals, weddings, corporate events, and religious gatherings. A perfectionist by nature, Meli meticulously selects flowers from his garden, ensuring that each arrangement reflects his eye for colour and design. His entrepreneurial journey also led him to open a savings account with the BSP branch in Savusavu, marking a significant step towards financial independence.
Embracing Opportunity: The THRIVE Programme When Meli learnt about BSP’s three-day workshop in collaboration with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) under the THRIVE programme, he eagerly seized the opportunity to expand his knowledge. THRIVE, which stands for “Together, Helping to build a Resilient, Inclusive, and Vibrant Economy,” aims to equip entrepreneurs with the skills to effectively manage their businesses. Meli recognised the importance of running a business the right way, understanding that success depends not just on passion, but on the ability to navigate profit and loss.
“Not everyone is destined for blue- or white-collar jobs,” Meli reflected. “Some young people have the potential to become successful entrepreneurs, and it’s crucial that they have the support they need to grow.” As the eldest of four siblings and a former student of Savusavu Secondary School, Meli emphasised the importance of pursuing work that brings joy.
“Many people are unhappy in their jobs but continue for the sake of their families. “It’s vital to find out what makes you truly happy and pursue it.” Meli expressed deep gratitude to BSP and ABV for the opportunity to attend the workshop in Labasa, which he described as a transformative experience.
He encourages young people to discover their unique talents, urging them to contribute to their communities rather than simply following the crowd. About the Fiji THRIVE Programme The Fiji THRIVE programme originated as the “Your Enterprise Scheme” (YES) at BSP headquarters in Papua New Guinea in 2019. Partnering with ABV, the programme was designed to empower and support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in PNG by providing essential knowledge, resources, and skills.
BSP Fiji adopted and tailored the programme to suit the local market, renaming it THRIVE to emphasise its commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant economy. Feedback: [email protected].
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