Asinate Varo’s journey is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the power of small business support, highlighting her rise in the micro, small, and medium business landscape in Lautoka and Nadi. Like many others during the COVID-19 pandemic, Varo faced significant life changes when her husband lost his job. However, she transformed adversity into opportunity by starting a market vending business in 2021.
Her visionary approach has not only allowed her to provide her nine children with quality education but also enabled her to expand her home in Legalega and even open a canteen. She attributes her success to the small sacrifices she made, demonstrating to her children the long-term benefits of dedication and patience. Varo has shown commitment and believes that faith in oneself, family, and God can steer one through challenges to success.
Highlighting the psychological barrier among many iTaukei concerning loans, Varo is breaking stereotypes by demonstrating how loans can indeed be a constructive tool for business growth. Her relationship with the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) is key in this narrative. She underscores the significant role SPBD played, not merely as a lender but as a partner that offers additional support in education and housing improvements. Her $20,250 loan marked a significant milestone for SPBD, commemorating a $125 million total loan mark milestone celebrated in Lautoka.
Varo is recognized by SPBD for her integrity, leadership, and strong community values, serving as an example of how perseverance and strategic financial management can propel small business success. Her story is not just inspiring for current business owners but also for those considering the entrepreneurial path, encouraging them to have faith in their capabilities while embracing the support systems available to them.
Similar to Elena Tinai’s story, a fellow SPBD member and awardee, Varo’s journey embodies resilience and the transformative power of microfinance initiatives. Both women serve as inspirations to rural women in the Pacific, paving the way for increased participation in business and demonstrating the impact of community-oriented financial solutions.
Varo’s story radiates a message of hope and perseverance, reminding us that even in the face of setbacks, faith and hard work can yield profound positive outcomes, making a difference not only in the lives of their families but also in their communities.