Meet Soniya Chand who is from Dreketi in the Province of Cakaudrove, on the island of Vanua Levu which is the second largest island in Fiji.
She is a restaurant and business owner in Labasa Town and has overcome many obstacles as an entrepreneur. From humble beginnings, Soniya started her first restaurant with just three staff. Now her businesses have grown and continues to go from strength to strength. Her passion for food however, is second to her number one driving force—her daughters.
“My daughters have always been my priority especially ensuring they have the best education and have a good life for themselves. That’s what motivates me everyday,” says Soniya.
Soniya now has more staff and has even opened a second restaurant called Rasoi Curry House at Damodar City in Labasa—the largest shopping complex in Fiji. Soniya’s popularity continues to grow with her restaurants becoming increasingly famous for its various dishes, but especially its samosas and lamb curries. But Soniya also attributes her success to her staff.
“All my staff are like my family members, they help me in my business and they all work well. My daughters were also helping me in the business when they were here.”
Small businesses like Soniya’s restaurants will benefit from the $200 million Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu supported by the World Bank. The program which will benefit at least 60,000 Fijians, aims to develop resilient and sustainable tourism infrastructure and services to make Vanua Levu a more attractive and sustainable place for tourists while also benefiting local communities and protecting Vanua Levu’s precious natural resources.