Young Solomon Islander turns interest to business

By Andrea Ma’ahanua

A young Solomon Islander has turned her interest in hair care products into a business.

Founder of “Home Made with Love”, Saloa Anilafa began experimenting with making rosemary oil while employed under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme in recent years.

Saloa taught herself the process of making homemade oil by watching DIY video tutorials online.

She says that she eventually gained the attention of family members and peers after posting several videos showcasing her creation.

“When I was in Australia, I noticed all the requests flooding in from everyone at home. I thought to myself, maybe this will be a good thing to do and sell out when I return to Solo.”

After returning to Honiara, Saloa kicked off her small business from the comfort of her family kitchen.

“I was making the oil but didn’t have the confidence to sell out to others, so I started by selling to friends, family and neighbors.”

“As time went on, they returned with their feedback and this really pushed me to do more because once they spread the word, more people came around,” she explained.

Aside from verbal promotion, she has recently created a Facebook page to boost her marketing and sales.

“In the beginning, I used to boil a pot a week which is enough to fill around 30 bottles. But now I prepare around 300 to 400 bottles,” she emphasizes.

Expanding her business has also come with its challenges, such as access to necessary ingredients from abroad and negative comments online.

However, Saloa remains grateful for the support given by her family and friends.

Meanwhile, Saloas’ mother, Rowena Anilafa says she is delighted to see the growth of her daughter’s business.

“I am very happy and looking forward to see the bigger things she plans on doing… She already has ideas on how to expand her business.”

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