After winning $300 in the Viti FM Homemade Christmas Card Competition and Diwali Competition in 2014, Filomena Taina was encouraged to start her business of selling art and craft to support her family.
Taina today showcased home-made wall hangings, earrings, oil, phone cases, purses and other products at the Courts/SPBD Market Day at the Vodafone Arena.
The 42-year-old woman from Bua says winning the competition encouraged her to step up to another level of creativity to earn a living.
She says the items she is selling were all made from pandanus leaves, coconut leaves and pieces of timber found beside their home.
She says the South Pacific Business Development Foundation has empowered women and has provided them with opportunities to become entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, over 3,000 women entrepreneurs around Fiji will be attending the SPBD Business Women of the Year Awards that will be held at the Vodafone Arena at 6pm this evening.
