From Humble Beginnings to Thriving Homestay: The Journey of Hellen Tau
BY CHRIS ALEX
BORN and raised in Gizo, Western Province, Hellen Tau Maika is the proud owner of Pinokoi Homestay and the mother of five adult children.
In 2014, she started her entrepreneurial career with a straightforward yet aspirational idea: to support her family while offering travelers a warm and inviting location.
“I started my business in 2014, but it’s like I’m not really curious about it,” she recalls. “I started with two houses. One for tenants and the other house for international travelers, mainly backpackers.”
Overcoming Initial Challenges
In the early years, Hellen juggled her new business with a demanding job in Gizo, making time management her biggest hurdle.
“It went well, but at that time I was working as well. I spent a lot of time out to work in Gizo, and that was one of the big challenges I faced when I started this homestay,” she explains to TOURISM MEDIA. “Time management was more than important during the course of this business start-up.”
Full-Time Commitment
In 2020, Hellen made a pivotal decision to leave her job and focus entirely on Pinokoi Homestay. This shift allowed her to refine her business model and enhance the services she offered. “I decided to stop working and concentrate on my business, thinking of how I could improve my business idea,” she says. “Until now, I believed in the little steps I went through to have this local homestay as my small business ideal.”
Meeting Customer Needs
Understanding the importance of customer satisfaction, Hellen dedicated herself to offering reliable and realistic services.
“I have to understand that my service must meet the needs of my customers. I have to meet their demand, or the type of services I offer must be realistic and reliable,” she asserts. Despite the challenges, Hellen finds joy in being a business owner, especially with the support of her family. “I believe I can do it because I always believe in myself and I have the potential to do it.”
Family Influence and Support
Hellen’s partner played a significant role in the establishment of Pinokoi Homestay. “My partner was my influencer because he did all the work when it came to building the house, and he gets ideas from me and tries to fulfill them,” she shares. Her sons, avid surfers, also contributed by connecting with international surfers, adding a personal touch to the business. “My two sons enjoy surfing, and they meet a lot of surfers coming over and making friends with them.”
A Diverse Range of Services
Pinokoi Homestay offers more than just accommodation. Hellen provides meals for international guests and a flexible cooking arrangement for locals. “In Pinokoi Homestay, we provide accommodation and meals for my guests, especially international ones. For locals, it’s flexible; you can do your own cooking, so I provide a kitchen and all the utensils to use,” she explains.
The homestay is also a hotspot for surfing, with a prime location right in front of a popular surfing site.
Cultural Experiences and Community Engagement
Guests at Pinokoi Homestay can immerse themselves in local culture through activities such as custom dances, bamboo band entertainment, snorkeling, dugout paddling, and village tours. Hellen also offers local food demonstrations and weaving workshops, providing a rich and genuine experience for her visitors.
Supporting Family and Education
The success of Pinokoi Homestay has significantly supported Hellen’s family, providing a steady income and educational opportunities for her children.
“Through this registered business, one of my daughters was awarded a scholarship at the APTC for a Certificate in Tourism in Vanuatu,” she proudly notes. This milestone highlights the potential of the family business to create lasting opportunities for the next generation.
Future Aspirations
Hellen’s vision for Pinokoi Homestay is structured around short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. Her priorities include improving water sanitation, installing proper solar lighting, and building a second structure to accommodate different guest preferences. “I put my priorities and goals in three stages,” she says. “If I can have support from any funders, it would be much appreciated.”
Hellen Tau Maika’s journey from a part-time business owner to a dedicated entrepreneur is a testament to her resilience, determination, and belief in the power of small steps.
Pinokoi Homestay is not just a business; it is a family endeavor that embodies the spirit of community, culture, and hospitality in Western Province. As Hellen continues to grow and improve her homestay, she remains an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in her region and beyond.
