Empowering Women Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Pacific: A Q&A with Pasepa Rabeti

October 2, 2025

Person sits on a light patterned rug with a yellow measuring tape standing upright in the center.

As part of UNDP’s Supplier Development Programme, we are pleased to feature inspiring entrepreneurs who are making a meaningful impact in their communities through creativity, resilience, and sustainable practices.

In this edition, we introduce Pasepa Rabeti, founder of Tapa Authentic, based in Suva, Fiji.

An enterprising woman with a passion for cultural heritage, Pasepa began her journey at the Suva Flea Market where she was given a stall to sell masi. What started as a small venture soon expanded as she discovered new ways to diversify her products and create unique designs from masi beyond its traditional use. Guided by her vision and determination, Pasepa has achieved important milestones in her business journey, including purchasing a car to collect masi shipped from Vatulele — the island renowned for its masi making and craftsmanship.

In this Q&A, Pasepa shares her story, her aspirations, and her vision for a more sustainable and inclusive Pacific.

Person in a light gray lace-up blouse against a plain white background. — Pasepa Rabeti.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to start your business?

My business started when I was given a stall at the Suva Flea Market, where I began by selling Masi. Over time, I managed to diversify and find other creative ways to use Masi, creating new products instead of just selling it as it is.

2. What values or vision guide your business?

It is my vision that guides me and my business—to achieve the goals I set before venturing into this work. So far, through the art of setting goals, I have managed to achieve my short-term goal, which was to buy a car to make it easier for me to pick up my Masi when it is shipped from Vatulele—the island known for Masi designing and making. One of the challenges I faced when I first started was finding transportation to collect my Masi.

3. What products or services do you offer?

Custom-made and designed Masi for weddings and funerals, as well as Masi decorations for different events and occasions.

4. What makes your business unique compared to others?

There are a lot of Masi products today that are not authentic and tear easily. The Masi that I sell comes directly from the island known for its traditional Masi making and designing. It is very durable, strong, and can be safely stored and reused.

5. How does your business contribute to sustainability (e.g. reducing waste, offering eco-friendly alternatives)?

I am confident to say that my products are made from locally harvested Masi from the island of Vatulele. Nothing else is added that could cause harm or create waste in our environment.

6. What is your vision for the future of your business?

I want my business to grow successfully so that it can benefit my children and grandchildren. It is my wish that they will continue to gain from it in the future.

7. How do you see your work contributing to a more sustainable Pacific?

Making Masi is an act of cultural preservation, and we can continue to teach this skill to our young people. It will not only help preserve our culture but also become a source of income for them in the future.