Women Led Businesses
Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs
Florence Tomiets (Trade Store and Cash Crops)
Florence started off with a cash crop business focusing on cabbage and cocoa. She then started a trade store on top of that has has now been running both businesses for ten years. After finishing her schooling in grade ten, she wanted to find a way to become completed self suffient. She now employs up to 13 young women and mothers. She has overcome a number of difficulties such as finding water during the dry season, coming up of ways to transport goods. Her advice:
“There is always a way. Don’t expect someone to come and help you. You have to step up and come out of your nutshell. If I can do this, you can also do this. If you are stuck in a rut, come out and ask for help. Don’t expect free handouts. “
NoBC - C & J Sales
Noelyne Hianu has been running her business, NoBC (Nokem Bisi)– Craft and Jewerly Sale since 2021. She has two sites, one in the main Buka market - SME Center and one in the Craft Market. After losing her job with DPI she wanted to run her own business and now employs 5 or 6 females, normally young students. There are number of obstacles such as weather and the cost of setting up a tent. However, her advice is:
“It is not hard. If you are committed and disciplined, you can do anything. You can start something like this and find it very rewarding. “
Meriba Kauva - Rengzcloset
Meribu, originally from Buka, has been running a clothing a craft store since 2021. The business started as a side hussle to support her family. It has since grown into a full time job. Her advice:
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"Women came come up with great things from learning basic skills such as sowing, cooking, and craft making. She tells her 10 year old daughter to watch and learn for her as she is sowing and creating garments to build skills for her future"