BY INDY MAEALASIA
PLANT enthusiast, Diana Vaqalo is nurturing more than just plants; she is cultivating her dreams as an entrepreneur. Despite facing significant challenges, her partnership with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is helping her turn the tide.
Her horticulture business “Prosperity Nursery,” situated at Mbalasuna Bridge Village, North East Guadalcanal, specializes in cultivating and selling a variety of greenery.
“I plant trees, indoor plants, guava seedlings, and other plants,”Vaqalo shared.
Although she registered her business in 2022, taking over from the family business, Vaqalo admitted that her lack of entrepreneurship skills presented a lot of challenges.
“I had no funding and I find that there is a little market,” she recalled, “maybe because I wasn’t confident to put myself and business out in the market.”
Her turning point came when she was selected for the inaugural cohort of the U.S. Government-funded AWE program, which supports women entrepreneurs worldwide.
After submitting her application early this year, she was thrilled to receive the news of her acceptance. “I was very happy. I thought this will really help me.”Vaqalo recalled.
Initially nervous about her lack of networking skills, Vaqalo soon found her footing in the AWE program
“when I came in the program, I was nervous, I had zero networking skills but I now feel confident because everyone has their own businesses and ideas, I feel connected and proud of being part of a community,” Vaqalo said.
The AWE program includes an online business course complemented by weekly face-to-face interactions.
“When I started the training, I wished I had known all about the business concepts before I went on to start my nursery, she said, “It has truly opened my mind.”
Looking ahead, Vaqalo shared her enthusiasm for her nursery business and her vision for the future.
She plans to open a “plant shop” and also aims to expand her nursery, “My other plan is also to expand to more fruits and vegetables but for now, I will stick to one area,” Vaqalo added.
