IN Koronivia, Nausori, a remarkable business is blossoming, fueled by the combined creativity of a mother-daughter team.
Beaded Treasures is a brand by Sedula Devi and her daughter Simran Prasad, which has been transforming the world of handmade jewellery for the past four years, a journey that began out of necessity and blossomed into a shared passion.
For Ms Devi, the spark that ignited their jewellery-making venture came when her daughter, Simran, was struggling to pay for university expenses.
Faced with rising fees and transportation costs, Simran, a student at the University of the South Pacific (USP), decided to make her own jewellery, crafting unique pieces to both express her creativity and ease her financial burden.
Ms Devi, recognising her daughter’s talent and determination, joined forces with her to help turn the small jewellery-making project into a thriving business.
“We started when she was in university, and it was difficult for her to afford busfare and fees,” Ms Devi said.
“So, we began making jewellery together, and from there, our business started to grow,” said 51-year-old Ms Devi, reflecting on their humble beginnings.
The duo found that not only did their handmade creations help Simran pay her way through school, but the business quickly began to flourish, allowing them to reinvest into their craft and expand their offerings.
Today, Beaded Treasures is not just a way to make a living, it has become a passion that has significantly impacted both their lives.
Ms Prasad, now 27, shares how a simple desire for something unique for her graduation led her to discover her passion for jewellery making.
Unable to find the right accessories for her special day, she ventured into a local shop for supplies and created her first piece of jewellery.
That experience, combined with her love for crafting, turned into a growing passion that she nurtured during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I realised that I was doing something I loved, and it became a passion for me. It was something I could do in my free time, and eventually, it became my business,” Ms Prasad recalled.
From selling her handmade jewellery at the University of the South Pacific to setting up at local markets at Thurston Garden and the Rock Market, Beaded Treasures grew steadily.
With her mother’s support and expertise, she was able to expand her reach and grow their customer base.
The duo now offers custom-made jewellery and repairs, as well as a variety of boho-inspired designs that add a touch of royalty to everyday outfits and special occasions.
Through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), an initiative that provides educational opportunities for women to grow their businesses in Fiji, Ms Devi gained valuable insights to help propel Beaded Treasures forward.
Ms Devi was a former student of the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre; she found the AWE program to be an instrumental resource in refining their business practices and expanding their knowledge.
“The AWE program was really educational and informative,” she said.
“I learned so much, and it helped me grow our business to where it is today.”
For both mother and daughter, the key to success lies in perseverance and confidence.
Ms Devi, who admits she was once a shy person, found the courage to push herself and her daughter’s talent into a business after recognising Simran’s ability.
“If you know you have talent, use it,” she said.
“It’s all about confidence, and even though it was a challenge at first, it’s worth it in the end.”
Ms Prasad echoes her mother’s sentiments, offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
“It won’t always be easy. You’ll face challenges and feel disappointed at times, but don’t give up,” Ms Prasad said.
“There’s always light at the end of the tunnel, and eventually, you’ll get to where you want to be.”
Today, Beaded Treasures creates handmade jewellery that blends a bohemian spirit with a touch of royalty.
Their pieces are designed to appeal to those with a youthful heart, bringing vibrant elegance to both everyday outfits and special occasions.
Whether it’s a custom piece or a carefully crafted design, each item is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the mother-daughter team.
From humble beginnings to a flourishing business, Beaded Treasures is not only a success story but also a beautiful example of how passion, perseverance, and family support can turn a simple idea into a thriving business.
The duo continues to inspire others with their journey and their unique creations, proving that dreams, no matter how small, can be turned into treasures with hard work and dedication.
NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated December 28, 2024.
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