

BY JOY OFASIA
IN Mbalasuna, in the northeast region of the Guadalcanal province in the Solomon Islands, young entrepreneur Diana Vaqalo is nurturing her variety of ornamental plant species one time after another.
Turning her love for indoor and outdoor plants from a family into a privately owned, thriving horticulture-registered business, ‘Prosperity Nursery,’ in 2022 is rooted in her love for plants and the life lessons they impart on her.
From the soil of Guadalcanal to the branches of her growing business, Diana, 31, is now cultivating hope, sustainability, community, and a future full of possibilities in all measures.


A proud plant lover from Choiseul and Guadalcanal, Diana’s connection with plants is more than a hobby—it’s a guiding force that has shaped both her personal and professional life.
“What I love about plants is that they give me a sense of contentment and hope for the future. ‘They have taught me to accept my past, live in the present, and trust that God Almighty, who created these beautiful plants so perfectly, is also navigating my future,” she told SOLOMON WOMEN.
Prosperity Nursery, located in Mbalasuna in northeast Guadalcanal, specializes in ornamental plants and trees, offering a range of greenery to customers looking to brighten their homes or gardens. But Diana’s path to becoming a business owner wasn’t a smooth one.


“When I started, I was unemployed and faced many challenges. Internally, I struggled with a lack of confidence, networking, and communication skills. Externally, I faced issues with finances, marketing, and finding the right pricing for my products,” she recalled.
Despite the hurdles, Diana refused to let these challenges define her. She found strength through prayer, acknowledging that surrendering her plans to a higher power was essential.
“I learnt to trust God’s plans over my own. I also cultivated a mindset of never stopping learning and adopted a ‘can do’ attitude that pushed me to try new things,” she said.


Her persistence has paid off. One of Diana’s proudest moments came when she was accepted into the prestigious Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) 2024 cohort.
“When I received the news, I was overwhelmed. I knew right away that this platform would be a game-changer for me and my business,” she explained.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), supported by the U.S. government, launched its first cohort in the Solomon Islands in 2024. The program aims to empower local women entrepreneurs, promote a resilient region, and drive long-term economic growth.


As a young entrepreneur, Diana is passionate about empowering other women to follow their entrepreneurial dreams.
“I want to see more support for women in business. There should be institutions in the provinces, not just the capital, that offer ‘how-to’ programs and provide the resources women need to start their own businesses,” she noted.
Her advice to young women and girls aspiring to enter the world of entrepreneurship is simple but profound: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.” She believes that faith, determination, and a willingness to learn are the keys to success.


Diana also credits her success to the unwavering support of her family and friends, particularly her parents, who played a pivotal role in her journey.
“I am grateful for the financial and emotional support my parents and friends have given me. Their time, effort, and encouragement have been crucial in helping me start and grow this business,” she said.