SHE started her business with only one jewellery shop but now she is one of the main suppliers of crystals in the country.Berth Zau, 42, who is known for her crystal jewellery, sells her wares from a cart at the capital's largest mall, Morris Hedstrom City Centre.
Ms Zau, who is originally from the Philippines, came to Fiji in 1994 and opened a wine and dine restaurant named the Great Wok of China in Flagstaff.
She said the thought of venturing into the jewellery business eventuated as fashion started to pick up the pace in Fiji.
"I wanted to do something which will attract teenagers and people of all ages. This was the best option," Ms Zau said.
She opened her first crystal jewellery shop in the capital in 2006 at the Victoria Parade Arcade opposite MacDonald's.
"When we first started marketing it was a challenge.
"It was hard to explain to people what real crystal jewellery was all about," she said.
"I had to go door to door, office to office, explaining to people about crystal jewellery.
Her shop, named Kristal Filipina, has a variety of designs and a unique collection of jewellery including 10-carat gold bracelets and earrings.
She said she also distributed jewellery to shops in Lautoka, Sigatoka, Ba and Labasa.
Ms Zau imports crystal jewellery from the Philippines.
She said crystals in the Philippines were imported from Austria.
Ms Zau plans to have a big shop selling only crystal jewellery.
Adapted from Fijitimes Online
