Rovelina Roshan’s inspiring journey from the Philippines to owning a successful tailoring business in Fiji showcases her remarkable resilience and adaptability. Arriving in Fiji in 1995 from a modest background in Quezon City, Mrs. Roshan began her career in a garment factory. Her life took a significant turn when she signed a contract with Ghim Li Global Pte Ltd, which required workers to help rebuild after a devastating fire at their Lautoka location.
At just 19, Mrs. Roshan left the Philippines, unexpectedly redirected from a prospective role in Brunei to Fiji. In 1997, she married Rakesh Rohan, another factory employee, and the couple welcomed their son in 1999. Today, Mrs. Roshan takes pride in her thriving tailoring business, which has continually addressed the needs of the Lautoka community.
After the Ghim Li factory closed its doors in 2005, Mrs. Roshan transitioned to sewing from home. She opened her first shop in 2006 by sharing space with a barber before relocating to her current shop on Tukani Street in 2011. Her commitment to her craft is apparent in her approach to sourcing materials and offering a diverse range of services, including everyday clothing, bespoke wedding gowns, and traditional iTaukei garments such as the sulu and jaba.
Despite the challenges that come with running a small business, Mrs. Roshan finds fulfillment in being able to support her family. Her husband now works as a loans officer, and together they have invested in their son’s education, celebrating his recent graduation in medicine from the University of Fiji. He has also begun his medical career at Lautoka Hospital, a proud achievement for the family.
Although Mrs. Roshan maintains strong ties with her family back in the Philippines, the loss of her parents weighs heavily on her heart. She endeavors to visit her siblings every couple of years. Reflecting on the future of the sewing trade, she expresses concern that younger generations are less inclined to pursue this skill. However, her optimism shines through as she encourages youth to view sewing as a legitimate and accessible career option.
Rovelina Roshan’s story exemplifies the fruits of hard work and determination, embodying entrepreneurial resilience while shedding light on the importance of traditional skills in today’s ever-changing job landscape. Her journey not only inspires, but also serves as a call to action for the younger generation to embrace and carry forward time-honored trades.