High Commissioner of Australia to Fiji, His Excellency, John Feakes,
Founder of The Greenhouse Studio, Maria Ronna Luna Pastorizo-Sekiguchi,
Respected CEOs,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka, and a very good afternoon to you all.
It gives me great pleasure to join you this afternoon to be part of “The Greenhouse Studio’s success which began in a second bedroom of its Founder Ms. Maria Ronna Luna Pastorizo-Sekiguchi’s flat, with only two clients.
Seven years later, we are praising yet another accomplishment of “The Greenhouse Studio” – the “Greenhouse Co–working” which is part of Maria’s concept to provide a multidisciplinary creative studio with innovative solutions that inspire change.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Now more than ever, determined entrepreneurs like Maria and her team must be empowered to become active contributors in economic activities. By empowering determined entrepreneurs, we are contributing to their capability to succeed – providing a genesis in making a difference in society, and introducing a sense of independence and distinctiveness.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted the global economy and our daily lives – at the same time it became a strong driver of creativity and innovation. All over the World, we are seeing countries adapt by a shift in behaviour to support social distancing, and supply chain solutions.
I am told, Maria’s solo quest, now boasts over 50 clients and nine full-time staff that continuously push individual boundaries, philosophies of knowledge, skills and expertise to motivate change.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In 2017, the Greenhouse Studio began learning about Co–working and workstation spaces.
Considered as flexible, digital nomads – Maria and her team saw the potential of working spaces as a physical and living manifestation of this hub for other young professionals just like them. I must say, such an idea is certainly fitting in the new-normal we’re living in today.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The team envisioned the Co–working space as a place where local and visiting SMEs, freelancers, creatives, startups and teams can collaborate to find innovative solutions, encourage each other and most importantly grow.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With all great ideas – there has to be a helping hand to further and champion it. So I take this opportunity to thank the Australian Government for strengthening our ‘Vuvale’ partnership through the assistance provided by the Market Development Facility (MDF), as a shared visionto make real Maria and her team’s idea.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
By forming such a partnership, MDF and The Greenhouse Studio are supporting MSMEs adapt and welcome a new concept strengthening the core of business development in Fiji – and the strong points of resilience, agility and adaptability.
An investment of more than FJD $250,000, the “Greenhouse Co–working” is a modern concept, which will open its doors from next week Monday. A space which combines freedom of working for yourself with the community and creativity of a traditional job.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A Co–working space is a new concept to us in Fiji and has key advantages such as convenience in location, networking opportunities, increased flexibility and ‘in-office’perks by way of amenities, meeting rooms and event spaces.
This means we are opening our doors to business travelers visiting Suva with a “ready-and-waiting” premises which is “price-right” and beyond the “Work from Home” concept – a concept we’re all too familiar with due to the long-period of time we’ve spent within our own homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whilst revenue has rapidly declined for businesses, fixed cost and overheads such as rent have remained.
The Greenhouse Co–working space now provides opportunity for businesses, particularly MSMEs, to significantly reduce their overhead costs. This means, that as a business owner, you will be able to retain more money and increase your chances of survival.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Given the current economic conditions we are presented with due to COVID-19, it is essential that we continue to provide support and encouragement to young Fijians with innovative business ideas like Maria.
I would like to encourage young Fijians with unique and innovative business ideas to be decisive and invest in their business idea and be an active participant of economic development and success.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to once again commend the team of The Greenhouse Studio, The Australian Government and MDF and wish them the very best in their business accomplishments and the success of the “Greenhouse Co–working”.
Vinaka Vakalevu