Kesty Sudani: From One Sewing Machine to a Multi-Service Enterprise with Fakoa Associates

In Kirakira, Makira-Ulawa Province, a Dream Took Root

In Kirakira, Makira-Ulawa Province, a young entrepreneur named Kesty Sudani is stitching together opportunity, resilience, and community impact. Fakoa Associates — the locally grown business he founded — is living proof that big dreams can thrive in small rural communities.

What started with just one sewing machine and a vision has grown into a thriving multi-service operation, creating jobs for local youth and providing essential services in tailoring, printing, fuel supply, transportation, security, and accommodation.

For Kesty, it’s not just about running a business — it’s about empowering his community and showing what’s possible when determination meets local pride.

A Dinner Table Conversation that Sparked a Dream

In 2013, Kesty had just completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at Papua New Guinea University of Technology (UNITECH). Like many graduates, he was waiting and searching for job opportunities. But a single dinner invitation in PNG would change his outlook entirely.

“At that dinner, my friend’s father — a businessman — asked why we studied civil engineering,” Kesty recalls. “He told us that at the end of the day, we all work to earn money.

He said, ‘Why not use that knowledge to create your own business?’ That question hit me hard.”

Returning to his village in Makira while waiting for work, Kesty realised he could build something meaningful on his family’s land through sewing.

His father, a tailor, trained his mother in the craft and became the inspiration behind Kesty’s own tailoring skills.

For Kesty, tailoring also connects with his civil engineering training, blending practical skills with careful planning and design.

As demand for school uniforms grew, he stepped in to help — using the income earned from tailoring to fund his graduation in 2014.

Kesty Sudani at work on his sewing machine — the heart of Fakoa Associates, where skills and local enterprise come together to create opportunities for young people in Makira.

From that seed, Fakoa Associates was born — starting with tailoring, fuelled by family inspiration, and strengthened by his engineering skills for planning and design.

Building a Business Where It’s Needed Most

Starting a business in a rural community like Kirakira is not easy — especially for young entrepreneurs surrounded by established businesses. But Kesty focused on what he could control: quality and community trust.

“I believe so much in quality service. If you offer that, customers will come,” he says. “For tailoring, no one else was operating in Kirakira. Our business helps parents and schools who would otherwise travel to Honiara.”

Today, the demand for school uniforms continues to grow — and Fakoa Associates is working hard to keep up.

Creating Local Jobs — and Changing Lives

What started with one machine has grown into a multi-service operation employing people through tailoring, printing, fuel supply, transportation, and even security.

Currently, Fakoa Associates employs 18 young people: four in tailoring, two in printing services, four for fuel supply, six for transportation, and two as security officers.

“Seeing young people, I employ lift their standard of living with the little they earn really motivates me,” Kesty shares. “Skills can be taught. If they’re willing to work, I train them. It’s part of their professional development.”

Diversifying for Sustainable Growth

Today, Fakoa Associates is more than just tailoring. The business now offers fuel supply, printing services, transportation, accommodation, and has its sights set on tourism.

Through his membership with the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), Kesty has learned to manage growth and identify the strengths and weaknesses of running multiple services.

“I joined YECSI to gain more business knowledge. Their training and workshops helped me see what I can do better as my business grows,” he explains. “With Makira being home to the world’s largest coral, tourism is something I want to build on next — improving our transportation and accommodation services to serve visitors.”

Advice to Young Entrepreneurs: Start Small, Use Your Brain

For young people dreaming of starting their own businesses, Kesty’s advice is simple but powerful.

“One of the biggest resources we all have is our brain and time. Use them wisely, and you will prosper. God gave us the ability to think and do things — and we should put Him first in all our struggles.”

He points out that many young Solomon Islanders have access to land and resources, especially in bigger provinces. But the real difference is in mindset and action.

Hopes for the Future

Looking ahead, Kesty sees Fakoa Associates not just as a business, but as a driver for local development.

“My hope is to keep creating jobs, helping young people gain skills, and supporting my community’s growth. That’s what inspires me to keep moving forward.”

From One Sewing Machine to Many Dreams

A father and mother’s sewing machine and a dinner table challenge sparked what is now a beacon for local enterprise in Makira. For Kesty Sudani and Fakoa Associates, the message is clear: with vision, resilience, and commitment to community, even the smallest idea can grow into something that truly makes a difference.

If you’re a young entrepreneur in the Solomon Islands looking to grow your own dream, take the first step: register with YECSI today and unlock training, networks, and opportunities to help your business thrive.

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