A window of opportunity has extended Salia Malake’s business in reaching her full potential. This was possible through the launch of the International Year and Co-operatives 2025 at the Vunimono High School Hall in Nausori on Thursday. Ms Malake’s journey from humble beginning to entrepreneurial success is an inspiring tale of perseverance and hope. Married in Nasaumatua, Daku, Tailevu, Ms Malake has been running her business for more than 20 years, steadily carving her place in a business that was, at first, unfamiliar and uncertain. ‘‘I remembered when we started, we didn’t have much. The village was isolated and resources were limited,” Ms Malake said. “I had a dream to create something that could help, not just our family, but others in the village as well.” Running her home-based business in Daku, the road to success was anything but smooth. Growing up in Nakasaleka, Kadavu, a village known for its serenity, she never imagined that one day she would become a household name in fan making business. Her story began with a deep desire to make her life better, not just for her, but her family, and her community in Daku. Her husband, Nemani Rokocati, stood by her every step of the way, believing her vision and supporting her through thick and thin. Together they faced challenges that ranged from financial struggles to finding the right suppliers, but Ms Malake remains unshaken. They started small, operating out of their home, offering affordable, yet quality fans to local businesses. ‘‘Each fan we sold, we treated it like it was the best product in the world. I wanted people to feel that they were investing in something valuable,” she said. The dedication paid off. Word of mouth spread across Kadavu, and soon demand for their fans grew. Her small business began to thrive, attracting attention, not only from the local community but also from surrounding islands. It wasn’t just the success of the business that made her story remarkable, it was the heart and the soul she poured into it. Her story doesn’t end with business alone, Ms Malake has been a staunch supporter for women’s empowerment. She mentored girls and young women in Daku and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj