Dare to be Different!, by AVgifts

“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving”- Mother Teresa.

Footstep following has always been the norm and has served as a guide for many as a latter to success. However, following in society’s normalities with its everyday format can, overtime, prove somewhat too repetitious. To brave the storm of judgements and being scrutinized, the courage to stand on a separate track and run a separate race can bring more finger-pointing than a helping hand.

 Young Entrepreneurs, Alizae Kiteau (24) and Viliami Vakata (23) started their online business from unplanned but humble beginnings.  The simple act of giving whole-heartedly to help family and friends through gifting of gift boxes or baskets led to an overflow of positive feedbacks which resulted in Alizae and Viliami merging the first letters of their names, forming their business on May7th 2021 AVgifts. Hesitant at first, Alizae admits that she was scared at the idea of running a business, not knowing what the unknown would present let alone its sets of challenges. Conducting a business transaction face to face is one thing however, dealing with products online, unbeknownst to her and her partner Viliami who would be on the receiving end of their products is quite the opposite is just one of those fears. Alizae is strong willed and an unrelenting entrepreneur who, it be safe to say, a perfectionist.

The love for giving has always resided with Alizae, making of small gift bags/baskets for small functions. She explained how she relishes seeing her family and friends being over joyed with this simple act of kindness, not knowing how she was already laying her business foundations and in a few months expanded to bigger functions such as weddings, birthdays, family reunions etc. The inception of their business in early may has received, so far, positive feedbacks. Like any other business, there are rules or purchase policies and Alizae stresses the importance of understanding their purchase policy which is “Deposit/Pay” first before an order can be put through.

The lockdown of boarders has most certainly complicated the access of certain commodities, crippled economies, in addition, forced businesses to the brink of bankruptcy. It may force people to explore different avenues to put bread and butter on the table often leading them to opening new opportunities and blessings. Such challenges will require one to find their “WHY” or should I say motivation for especially during the tough times. 

Traditionally, the role of an entrepreneur is best suited for a seasoned worker who has dedicated his/her life to the study of this craft of business, acquiring the tools necessary to be better equipped and well versed in this arena of Entreprenuership.  It is laudable to perceive the existence of young entrepreneurs in our midst, a steady outpouring in this positive trend certainly deserves to be eulogized from the season veterans in this arena of entrepreneurship. In addition, a guide and a mentor to these young warriors of the trade.  
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Following the same business format is all too common here in the Kingdom, selling almost identical products, or similar ways of product advertising however, taking up the banter to pave new pathways and be a trailblazer is an innovation on its own. Alizae challenges and encourages the young warriors of this business trade “to be unique and different” and “Dare to be different”