Reporter-turned-entrepreneur, Shanal Shivan, is no stranger to Labasa, having covered sporting events and current affairs in the Babasiga town. Fiji Sun caught up with the young Suva businessman on the
Shanal Shivan.
Reporter-turned-entrepreneur, Shanal Shivan, is no stranger to Labasa, having covered sporting events and current affairs in the Babasiga town.
Fiji Sun caught up with the young Suva businessman on the streets of Labasa this week.
When asked if he was on a vacation or to scout a location for his famous cosmetics store, with a smirk he replied, “I am here for the fish parcel.”
Mr Shivan, commonly known as Mr Bold, has business interests in the hotel supplies industry and the beauty market.
He may be eyeing Labasa for an investment opportunity.
The 29-year-old, through his business social media platform, Bold & Beautiful Cosmetics, recently suggested a new retail outlet.
Could Labasa be his next move?
Preferring to remain tight lipped, Mr Shivan, however, spared a few minutes with the Fiji Sun to talk about his personal life and other future ventures.
Bold & Beautiful cosmetics are authorised retailers of global fashion labels like Revlon, Maybelline, L’Oreal and Garnier.
With the successful launch of his beauty powerhouse in May this year, which was officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad at Laucala Bay in Suva, the Lautoka born entrepreneur is already enthusiastic on expanding his beauty project.
“We have eyed six new locations across Fiji and in a few weeks’ time my customers will be able to access my very famous Bold & Beautiful Cosmetics from these new sites,” Mr Shivan said.
He also highlighted that his solicitors were working on the contracts for the six new sites.
“We are very proud to make the B&B cosmetics available to all Fijians, and my products are today going head-to-head with some major brands, the B&B Cosmetics are here to stay,” he added.
Bold & Beautiful Cosmetics is the brainchild of Mr Shivan, who sourced the formula from Hollywood.
His line includes full coverage foundation, concealer, face primer, eyeliners, the famous kiss proof 24 hours liquid lipsticks, mascara and setting spray.
“The cosmetics industry in the US alone is about $20 billion; surprisingly Fiji has not evolved with the global beauty trends, and I am here to change that,” he said.
When asked about his intensions to invest in the Labasa market, he seemed optimistic.
“According to the Investment Fiji, Labasa office companies who have taken the leap of faith here, have made it to smooth sailing over the years, and Labasa should not be taken lightly,” he said.
“We will soon recruit about 15 new makeup artists to fill the new sites, which I am very proud of.”
He has six staff members at his beauty studios at Sports City in Suva.
“I am serious about the Northern Division, no joke. Recently I visited the Nawi island in Savusavu; spectacular views and a tourism hotspot; the Northern Division is soon about to be baptised with new business ventures, and hopefully I am part of this new wave,” he said.
“Labasa needs new modern concepts. Period.”
Other ventures
As far as his other venture is concerned, which is Salt & Pepper Home Décor, he relies heavily on the tourism industry.
He said the numbers looked good at the moment as hotels run close to 90 per cent occupancy rates.
Salt & Pepper Home Décor specialises in commercial kitchen equipment and resort furniture.
The showroom for this venture is also based at Sports City in Suva.
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