Business Is Not Always Easy, But It Is Possible

June 8, 2026 11:11 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Nicholas Mwai.

Starting and maintaining a business is often easier said than done. Many people dream of becoming their own boss, but few are prepared for the challenges, sacrifices, and setbacks that come with entrepreneurship.

For local businessman Matthew Firiam, success did not come overnight. His journey has been marked by hard work, losses, difficult decisions, and valuable lessons in financial discipline. Yet despite the challenges, he remains convinced that business is possible for anyone willing to stay committed and manage their resources wisely.

Speaking on the recent episode of Kava mo Kajap, Firiam reflected on his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Today, many people know him as the owner of Pandanas Nakamal and Vila View Kava Bar, but before entering the kava industry, he was involved in pig farming.

At one stage, Firiam managed around 40 pigs at a farm in Erakor. While the venture showed promise, the daily demands of feeding and caring for livestock, combined with transportation challenges and complaints from nearby residents, eventually led him to reconsider his options.

Rather than giving up on business altogether, he looked for another opportunity.

That opportunity came through kava.

Using the proceeds from selling his pigs, Firiam invested in purchasing kava from Santo. At the time, kava prices were favourable, and he believed the industry offered growth potential.

What started with a few large bags of kava gradually developed into a thriving business.

However, his path was far from smooth.

Like many business owners, Firiam experienced setbacks that tested his determination. Among the biggest challenges were thefts involving large quantities of kava being transported by ship.

On several occasions, he lost between 100 and 200 kg of kava to theft.

For many small business owners, losses of that magnitude could have been enough to force them to close their doors.

Instead, Firiam chose to focus on recovery rather than defeat.

“Business is not always good,” he explained during the interview. “Sometimes you make money and sometimes you lose money. You have to be prepared for that.”

The key, he says, is management.

According to Firiam, good financial management can make the difference between a business surviving difficult times or collapsing under pressure. Entrepreneurs must plan ahead, keep reserves where possible, and avoid spending money meant for the business.

One of the most common mistakes he sees among small business owners is failing to separate personal expenses from business finances.

“If you want to spend money on yourself, use your salary, not the business money,” he advised.

It is a simple lesson, but one that many entrepreneurs struggle to follow.

Firiam also believes that persistence plays a major role in business success. Challenges such as dishonest employees, unexpected losses, and market fluctuations are realities that every entrepreneur may face.

What matters, he says, is how business owners respond.

Rather than dwelling on setbacks, he focuses on finding solutions and moving forward.

His approach has allowed him to grow his business and establish himself in Port Vila’s competitive kava industry.

For young people considering entrepreneurship, Firiam’s message is encouraging.

He believes anyone can start a business, regardless of their background, provided they are willing to work hard, stay disciplined, and learn how to manage money effectively.

“All of us can do it,” he said.

His story serves as a reminder that entrepreneurship is not reserved for a select few. Success does not require a perfect start, nor does it mean avoiding failure altogether.

Instead, success often comes from recognising opportunities, taking calculated risks, and continuing to move forward when challenges arise.

As Firiam’s experience demonstrates, business is not always easy—but it is possible.