One woman shares her story of challenges and change

Finding one’s path can be difficult, whether as a community seeking to carve its own roots, a family trying to find their place, or a woman finding herself outside of a relationship. Akeila Defraits is an entrepreneur, mother, and inspiration to all. The mother of two has been the proprietor of a business for the last three years. Although it’s not been entirely smooth sailing, she says her challenges are worth it for her independence and peace of mind.

Today, Waiakabra fits beautifully into the colourful Linden landscape; this was not always the case, however. A few decades ago, life in the community left much to be desired. Without electricity and running water apart from the creek, many people did not see Waiakabra as a good choice for settling down. As Akeila explained, “The highway was very small, like a one-way at the time. And after that, the village developed little by little. I remember when we got our well, so many people started coming and squatting and squatting and squatting.”

This was the beginning of a community legacy unlike any other. As people from all around the country came to Waiakabra, they all left their mark on the village’s culture and traditions. One of the underlying characteristics of the community is the hardworking nature of its people. Although still grappling with a few challenges, the people of Waiakabra are striving to create better lives for themselves. As Akeila told the Pepperpot Magazine, “From that time to now, we have, you know, we have improved. Everybody is struggling here to build a life, to be comfortable.”

This determination to be better is what has fuelled Akeila’s business as well. After leaving her husband a few years ago, she was determined to craft a life for herself outside of her marriage. This, she said, was a pivotal moment in her life and changed the way she viewed herself as a woman. As she stated, “I was married before. And me and my husband separated. And that thing used to keep me down as a woman. I thought I was not prepared to go out there and work.”

Her initial fears were overshadowed by her need to provide for both herself and her daughters. She explained that this initial fear of being on her own for the first time is what a lot of women feel and what can keep them in abusive relationships. As she shared, “Another thing why women be in abusive relationships. Because they tell themselves they can’t make it out there. And they’re not prepared to go. They don’t work. And that’s what keeps them in abusive relationships.”

Akeila encourages women to fight whatever inhibitions they may have because it’s always for the better in the long run. Outlining her own experience, Akeila says she is proud of herself and her accomplishments. She is amazed at just how far she has come. As she said, “I have never regretted leaving my husband. Because a day like today, I have my own home. I have everything. And he has to come now and look at me. And say to himself, all those negative thoughts he was thinking about me.”

Offering a bit of advice from her own inspiring journey, Akeila says the key to moving forward in a situation like hers is confidence and the understanding that although it may be hard, you can accomplish anything. As she stated, “When you are so confident it helps a whole lot. You don’t have to say, well, you are the beautiful. You know you are beautiful. But you are not saying you are the best or whatever. But you know you are beautiful within. You are confident about that. So confidence beats all.”

Even three years down the road, after starting a business and life of her own, Akeila says she stays positive and continues to make the best out of life, regardless of the challenges. As she stated, “I am living my life. I’m not saying I’m the best, but I’m working. Once you’re positive within your brain, that is what’s going to work for you.” She further added, “I’m here three years now. It’s been really good. Challenging, but good because I’ve improved a lot.”

Currently, Akeila’s Grocery is one of Waiakabra’s hot spots and has become a pillar of the community. Because of the population, Akeila says that improvements in tourism would give all of the village’s businesses a big boost. As she explained, “It’s a small community. So you wouldn’t find much business done on a more higher level. Maybe if more people come to the community and visit or they come to stay at the resort.” There are not many things that the community is without, says Akeila. But a school or health center would be greatly appreciated. “A nice little health centre would be nice in here. The whole school and everything in here. A nice little school for the nursery children,” she stated.

For Akeila, coming a long way is an understatement. She has worked to completely reinvent herself. Coming from her childhood home and then into marriage, a job did not seem to be in the cards for her. Today, she has her own home, can provide for her children and has a growing business. This, she says, is what motivates her to keep moving forward. “I just feel so powerful within my own self. And so highly motivated. And so inspired by myself.”