From starting under a small tent to operating from a rented container, Raijieli Tuikoroalau has built her food business through years of hard work, patience and sacrifice.

Tuikoroalau established Faith Work Enterprise in 2013, initially selling roti parcels, sandwiches and egg buns to earn a living.

Today, the business, located opposite the CWM Hospital Maternity Ward, has expanded its menu to include traditional Fijian dishes, Chinese cuisine and barbecue.

The business was established alongside her late business partner, who passed away last year.

Despite the loss, Tuikoroalau has continued to grow the enterprise and has also ventured into catering through Jeli’s Kitchen, which provides food services for various functions.

She said running a business comes with its own challenges, but determination and commitment have helped her push through difficult times.

The income generated from the business has enabled Tuikoroalau to support her family, meet household expenses and provide for her children’s education.

She is now planning to expand further by selling fresh fruits and vegetables, giving patients and their families easier access to fresh produce, particularly those wanting to purchase food for loved ones receiving medical care.

On a good business day, Faith Work Enterprise generates around 400 dollars in sales, while takings can drop to approximately 200 dollars when business is slow.

Her daughter, Unaisi Rakuro, said helping her mother run the business is a way of giving back and supporting the sacrifices she makes to provide for the family.

Rakuro believed more young people should explore entrepreneurship and use their skills to generate income, particularly as communities continue to face various social challenges.

From humble beginnings to expanding into different business ventures, Tuikoroalau’s journey highlights how determination and hard work can create opportunities for families while inspiring the next generation to become self-reliant.From a small tent to a growing food business
From starting under a small tent to operating from a rented container, Raijieli Tuikoroalau has built her food business through years of hard work, patience and sacrifice.

Tuikoroalau established Faith Work Enterprise in 2013, initially selling roti parcels, sandwiches and egg buns to earn a living.

Today, the business, located opposite the CWM Hospital Maternity Ward, has expanded its menu to include traditional Fijian dishes, Chinese cuisine and barbecue.

The business was established alongside her late business partner, who passed away last year.

Despite the loss, Tuikoroalau has continued to grow the enterprise and has also ventured into catering through Jeli’s Kitchen, which provides food services for various functions.

She said running a business comes with its own challenges, but determination and commitment have helped her push through difficult times.

The income generated from the business has enabled Tuikoroalau to support her family, meet household expenses and provide for her children’s education.

She is now planning to expand further by selling fresh fruits and vegetables, giving patients and their families easier access to fresh produce, particularly those wanting to purchase food for loved ones receiving medical care.

On a good business day, Faith Work Enterprise generates around 400 dollars in sales, while takings can drop to approximately 200 dollars when business is slow.

Her daughter, Unaisi Rakuro, said helping her mother run the business is a way of giving back and supporting the sacrifices she makes to provide for the family.

Rakuro believed more young people should explore entrepreneurship and use their skills to generate income, particularly as communities continue to face various social challenges.

From humble beginnings to expanding into different business ventures, Tuikoroalau’s journey highlights how determination and hard work can create opportunities for families while inspiring the next generation to become self-reliant.

By: Litia Rabua