Lusiana Dansey, a 51-year-old entrepreneur from Rewa with familial ties to Kadavu, is nurturing her passion through an emerging flower business. Only months after her launch, Dansey identified her true calling in selling flower plants, yet she faced fierce competition in the market. To stand out, she opted for innovation.
Utilizing her creative flair, Dansey began designing unique floral accessories such as flower tekiteki (floral hairpieces), leis, and decorative hair clips. “These unique creations allowed me to combine my love for flowers with artistry, attracting customers who appreciate my originality and craftsmanship while helping me carve a distinct identity in the competitive local flower market,” she explained.
Although she is relatively new to the floral industry, Dansey draws on her extensive experience in the tourism sector in Nadi, where traditional floral accessories are highly valued. This inspiration led her to start creating and selling tekiteki at local markets, where her initial success motivated her to diversify into additional floral products like side combs and hair clips.
Targeting a diverse student population at the University of the South Pacific (USP), where traditional floral adornments are popular, she has connected with students through her participation in the ROC Market at USP. “Selling these flowers to the students at USP has been going quite well, as most of the island students are fond of wearing them,” Dansey remarked.
Despite facing growing competition, particularly at the FNPF Plaza in Suva, where numerous women offer similar floral products, Dansey remains resolute in carving out her unique niche. One of the challenges she confronts is the limited local availability of distinctive hair clips and flower slides. To address this, she is actively seeking international suppliers to find materials that will allow her to differentiate her offerings.
Determined to expand her business, Dansey has plans to venture into new venues, such as the Damodar Night Market, to engage a wider audience and showcase her creative floral products.
Transitioning from selling plants to crafting vibrant floral accessories, Lusiana Dansey is not only embracing change but also establishing her mark in a challenging market. With her mantra of “blooming—one flower at a time,” she is dedicated to bringing beauty and joy to her customers’ lives, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of her homeland.