Sweet Sip of success
Fruity juices to creamy delights
ENTREPRENEUR couple Rajnel Kumar and Durgeshni Reddy established Sweet Sip in 2021 in the heart of Suva, Fiji.
After experiencing a tragic loss and in need of a stable income, the couple decided to build a business from scratch.
With just $15 behind them, they set up a roadside table, selling fresh juices squeezed from fruits like kumquat, orange and guava.
The juices were an instant hit, said Rajnel.
“On the first day, we sold out of everything, so we knew it was the right path.”
In 2023, Sweet Sip participated in the Fiji THRIVE program— a collaboration between BSP Fiji and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV).
Durgeshni attended the three-day training workshop led by ABV business coaches Kaylene Benson and Shean Gannon covering a range of core business skills.
With the coaches’ expert guidance through followup individual coaching sessions, Sweet Sip created a comprehensive business profile to define their offering.
Through Fiji THRIVE, Rajnel realised his capacity to expand and launched an expansionary strategy for his business.
Following research, he discovered a significant gap in Fiji’s dessert market: ice cream.
“I have a big sweet tooth; ice cream is something I had in my childhood — it’s my favourite thing, and there weren’t many places you could get it in Fiji,” said Rajnel.
“We are delighted to serve our customer’s with natural fruit juices and creamy ice creams”.
Sweet Sip has successfully ventured into the ice-cream market after buying ice cream machines that would allow him to flash-freeze a myriad of flavours.
Oreo and signature fruit flavours like banana, strawberry, pineapple, orange and mango are the most popular.
According to this Fiji THRIVE entrepreneur, what makes Sweet Sip’s ice cream so delicious is a bestkept family secret.
Currently, this couple is working on establishing a physical shop in Nausori, moving beyond their mobile operation.
Rajnel had some wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them not to fear the first step.
“I was also afraid, but you have to give it a go but do your research first. You don’t want to jump into a market with many competitors,” he said.
With dreams of a dessert shop on the horizon, Sweet Sip is bringing everyday joy into the lives of its customers, one sweet treat at a time.
I was also afraid, but you have to give it a go but do your research first.
– Rajnel Kumar