It’s more than just making money for Answin Lata Goundar as the market has given her a life worth living.
Born and raised in Qalewaqa Labasa Ms Goundar shares her life story and how she became a market vendor.
2012 was the year of change for Ms Goundar as she decided to move to Suva in search of employment and possibly a better life.
She resided in Caubati and found employment with a local Chinese vendor at the Suva Municipal Market.
Little did she know, that what began as a simple job working for a Chinese market vendor soon turned into a full-time passion for her.
Ms Goundar shared that when she first started with her employment, she was very shy and faced a lot of difficulties serving customers.
Fortunately, she now has 14 years of experience in the field, and is grateful for her previous employer’s guidance as well as the opportunity he gave.
“I learned how to talk and serve customers even if they had less money to shop I know how to deal with them,” she said.
Beyond the daily hustle, Ms Goundar dreams of managing her own stall independently one day in the near future.
“While I was still working in the Suva market I dreamed of owning my own stall.
“I know my way around the business now.”
The dream became a reality when the Laqere market in Nasinu opened in 2020.
Ms Goundar’s application was successful as she now owns four stalls in the Laqere market.
She usually gets her batch of fresh vegetables delivered from Sigatoka and Baulevu every Friday or sometimes it arrives on Saturday mornings.
Today she continues to work tirelessly, not only to support her family, but also to afford the things she personally wants
” I do this so I can buy the things I want,” she says with a laugh.
“It’s not easy but it feels good to earn something for myself.”
Ms Goundar is happily married to Kelvin Raj of Pacific Harbor who is in the carpentry business with the Hot Bread Kitchen.
Together they have a son who is six years old and attends Rishikul Primary School.
Like many women vendors in Fiji Ms Goundar’s story reflects independence and determination.
Her stall is more than just a place of business, it is a small space where she creates her own opportunities, builds connection and maintains her sense of autonomy.
In the bustling Laqere market, amid the shouts of customers and the aroma of fresh produce, Ms Goundar stands out as a quiet symbol of resilience.
She is a woman carving out her own path while supporting her family financially.
The post TIMES SHOPPER | Independent at heart appeared first on The Fiji Times.
No comments yet.