IN celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, Salote Waqairatu Waqainabete, co-owner and managing director of Landscaping Solutions Fiji (LSF), shared her story at an event hosted by the Reserve Bank of Fiji early this month.
The event marked a milestone moment in the journey of women’s financial inclusion in Fiji.
For Ms Waqainabete, it was a moment of reflection on the journey of her business, the challenges faced and the unwavering support that has propelled her forward.
Landscaping Solutions Fiji, founded in 2017, is a local leader in sustainable landscaping services, providing environmentally friendly landscaping solutions to Fijian homes and businesses.
It all began with a small savings pot of just $1000, a personal vehicle, and a vision to bring about change through sustainable landscaping practices.
Despite the financial struggles and the dominance of the male-led construction, landscaping, and horticulture industries, LSF has grown into a successful business that now serves more than 1000 customers, operates two retail outlets, and has become a trusted name in the industry.
Ms Waqainabete’s journey into landscaping was not easy, particularly as a woman in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
At the start, she and her husband Vilimone Waqainabete faced a number of challenges in growing their business.
The most significant of these challenges was access to finance. Like many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), commercial banks were their first thought for financing, but after several conversations and much research, they turned to the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) for assistance.
“In hindsight, luck had little to do with it,” Ms Waqainabete shared during her speech.
She described the rigorous process of obtaining the loan from FDB in 2018 as a lesson-learning experience that proved invaluable in the long run.
The loan was instrumental in helping LSF get off the ground and start their journey toward growth and expansion.
However, securing financing was only the beginning. LSF’s success is largely attributed to the continuous capacity-building programs they participated in, such as the Fiji Enterprise Engine, Global Green Growth Institute, and the Tel-A-Woman program.
These programs helped build their skills, establish networks and refine their business practices, which have been vital to the company’s long-term success.
The company’s expansion has been impressive, from producing more than 100 tonnes of green waste annually to creating their own line of chemical-free composts and soil health products under the FijiGro brand. LSF is not only focused on offering quality landscaping services but also on reducing its ecological footprint.
The company’s products, including garden soil and compost, have even made their way to Tuvalu, an atoll island affected by climate change, furthering their mission of sustainability.
LSF’s business model focuses on helping families and communities not only enjoy their landscapes but also create sustainable livelihoods through their own gardens, plants, and even eco-based accommodation.
They believe landscaping should be accessible, affordable and of high quality, empowering local communities to take charge of their own environmental and financial well-being.
But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing.
As with any SME, cash flow remains a constant challenge.
Understanding the market, developing new products, and navigating compliance have been areas of difficulty.
Despite these challenges, Ms Waqainabete said she was focused on overcoming those with the help of supportive networks and capacity-building initiatives.
She credits the success of LSF to the strong relationships she has built with her team and partners, particularly in an industry where women are often underrepresented.
The company’s clientele has grown to include a wide range of customers, with women making up a significant portion of their customer base.
According to data from the company’s Facebook page, LSF’s primary customer demographic consists of women aged 35 to 44, many of whom are florists using the company’s products to support their livelihoods.
This highlights the powerful role women play in supporting the business and underscores the importance of engaging women in sectors like landscaping, which offer significant economic opportunities.
Ms Waqainabete also took the opportunity to provide some suggestions to financial institutions on improving customer service for businesses like hers.
She acknowledged the efforts of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Fiji Development Bank, and other financial institutions in fostering inclusive financial solutions, but suggested that providing clearer guidelines for monitoring and evaluation processes could help customers like LSF navigate the journey toward business success with more confidence.
For women looking to follow in her footsteps, Ms Waqainabete offers words of encouragement.
“Start with what you have and do your best. Surround yourself with strong networks and seek out opportunities for capacity building.”
She emphasised that continuous learning and the willingness to adapt were key to overcoming the obstacles that arise in any business.
As LSF continues to grow, Ms Waqainabete remains committed to empowering other women, especially in the agribusiness sector.
Through mentoring and providing access to more capacity-building programs, she believes that women in Fiji and across the Pacific can have a significant economic and community impact.
With her leadership, Landscaping Solutions Fiji is not only creating beautiful landscapes but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
This International Women’s Day, Ms Waqainabete’s story serves as a reminder of the power of determination, collaboration, and the pursuit of sustainable, inclusive growth.
