In the tranquil coastal region of Volivoli, Rakiraki, young entrepreneur Swashtika Sristy Mala is making notable contributions to both business and community development. As the head of Volivoli Seafoods and Farm Supplies, she spearheads one of Fiji’s prominent women-led enterprises, fostering essential connections between local fishermen, farmers, and major buyers across the nation.
What began as a small venture has transformed into a thriving business, supplying fresh and frozen seafood as well as farm produce to a variety of sectors, including resorts, hospitals, supermarkets, and local households. Volivoli Seafoods boasts a diverse array of products that includes vacuum-packed walu, mahimahi, snapper, tuna, octopus, lobster, and locally-grown cassava, dalo leaves, and limes—demonstrating Mala’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
“My mission is to honor the ocean and the land that sustain us by creating a supply chain that is sustainable, fair, and community-driven,” Mala articulates. Her passion stems from recognizing the potential among local producers in Ra, many of whom faced challenges in securing equitable prices and reliable buyers. “By directly connecting them with markets, we eliminate middlemen, reduce waste, and empower our community,” she explains.
Currently, Volivoli Seafoods employs ten staff members, comprising seven women and one transgender individual, all of whom Mala describes as the “heartbeat of the company.” The workplace nurtures growth and learning, fostering pride in the meaningful contributions the team makes. With support from a loan from the Fiji Development Bank (FDB), the business is in the process of building a state-of-the-art seafood processing and freezer facility that adheres to hygiene and export standards, representing a significant step forward in their operational capacity.
Mala’s vision extends beyond the business realm; she aspires to cultivate a comprehensive development strategy in Volivoli that combines seafood processing, marine tourism, and community recreation. Her dream includes creating a space where both locals and tourists can relish authentic Fijian seafood, engage in fishing charters, explore snorkeling activities, and take part in sustainability education initiatives for children. “In Ra, there are few places for families to connect meaningfully. We want to change that,” she emphasizes, striving to build communal bonds through family-friendly amenities such as picnic parks and recreational play areas.
Despite facing challenges like fluctuating fuel prices, weather-related disruptions, and cash-flow concerns, Mala maintains an optimistic outlook and steadfast vision. “Every day brings new lessons, but we stay resilient because our purpose is clear—to make a difference, particularly for women, farmers, and small producers.” She envisions Volivoli Seafoods and Farm Supplies as just beginning its journey, aiming to establish Volivoli as a benchmark for inclusive, women-led, and community-centric development in Fiji.
Mala’s aspirations extend to inspiring a generation of young women to embark on their entrepreneurial pursuits, viewing even a single success as a milestone. Her dedication is reflective of a broader movement within Fiji, where women entrepreneurs like Saleshni Devi and Loraini Bula are paving the way towards economic empowerment and community enhancement through innovative, sustainable practices. The uplifting story of Mala and her contemporaries serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that sustainable progress in Fiji can indeed start with one committed individual deeply rooted in community values.