Tailoring is an art as much as it is a business and livelihood for many people in Fiji.
Lavena Waterfall, Taveuni. Inset: Pita Matakiviwa. Photo: Jernese Macanawai
Tailoring is an art as much as it is a business and livelihood for many people in Fiji.
Pita Matakiviwa is a testament to this since opening his tailoring business in the heart of Suva, four years ago.
The 36-year-old’s Matakiviwa Tailoring service in Suva, has become a popular option for tropical-themed fashion in Fiji and overseas.
He grew up in his village of Nabukadra, Nakorotubu in Ra and climbed the education rank until Year 10 at Natovi Junior Secondary School.
Mr Matakiviwa worked as a machinist at Danam (Fiji) Limited,a garment factory in Lautoka.
After learning the art of making clothes from friends, he decided to venture out as an entrepreneur.
In 2019, Mr Matakiviwa opened a tailoring shop at the Suva Flea Market with the help of a government grant.
In 2020, a fire at the Flea Market forced Mr Matakiviwa to suspend his services for a year.
He sews for customers from the Office of the Prime Minister, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), local banking institutions, and even overseas.
Mr Matakiviwa plans to expand his one-man operation into a team of four, and find a bigger space to work in soon.
Like any other business owner, Mr Matakiviwa needs time off to rejuvenate.
Here are some of his favourite picks’ and hotspots.
Where Do You Go For A Quick, Delicious Meal?
I go to the Suva Flea Market for curry lamb neck.
Where Do You Go If You Want To Escape The Busy, Stressful Days At The Shop?
O’Reillys Bar, Suva.
I go there for a few jugs.
O’Reilly’s Bar. Source: O’Reilly’s Bar FB page
What Place In Fiji Did You Enjoy Travelling To?
Levuka, Ovalau.
The food and grog taste so good.
Levuka Town
What Place That Is On Your Bucketlist?
The next place I want to travel to is Taveuni.
I want to spend a holiday there.
Bouma Waterfall, Taveuni.
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