Payal Prasad is happy to be her own boss.
Although she holds a bachelor of commerce degree in accounting and economics, and could easily get an office job, she prefers to be in control.
The 25-year-old has a small but growing kava business which she runs from the Suva market.
In August 2021, in a bid to financially weather the pandemic Ms Prasad, who lives along Khalsa Road in Tacirua, launched tough — Prasad’s Quality Kava.
It was a touch decision but one she never regretted.
“Due to COVID-19, just like other families, my family was badly affected financially,” Ms Prasad said.
“I had a bachelor of commerce degree, yet it was hard to find a job during those tough times.”
“I was sitting with my family one day, thinking hard of what to do, when my mother came up with the idea of setting up my own business.”
Both of her parents have passed away but Ms Prasad continues to forge ahead with the support she gets from her brother who also runs a kava business in Labasa.
“He helps me get the supplies,” she said.
“We buy kava from Savusavu, Labasa and Taveuni.”
Ms Prasad has fixed and casual customers. To help her compete in the market, she uses social media to market her product and boost her sales..
She said being her own boss was what she had always dreamt of. It also gives her entrepreneur freedom.
“Now, I don’t want to work anywhere else. I am quite happy with my business because it allows me to be my own boss. I can close it and go anywheree, anytime I like. There is no one to stop me.”
Ms Prasad agrees that it is hard to avoid hardships in a business, but she’s been able stay above water by making smart business decisions.
“There’s a lot of competition in the market because there are many vendors involved in selling kava. I have to compete by providing the best price and quality.”
By building a strong customer base, she is able to compete against vendors who have been in the business longer than she has.
“I am also building my contacts and attracting customers.
“I maintain a good working relationship with my customers who come to the market and also use social media to market my product.”
Ms Prasad encourages young people to be persistent even if they may not be able to find a job after graduating.
“It was hard to find a good job straight away after I graduated. You can start a small business with the help of your family and later move to a white collar job and fulfil your dream once you find something suitable.
“I am happy with the progress of my business, and I don’t think I will have to look for other jobs.”
