Yee proves that anyone who takes up the challenge can fulfill fatherly duties

A successful businesswoman and a single mother of six, 53-year-old Atela Yee leaves no stone unturned when it comes to giving her children the love of a father and a mother.

Yee who owns Raiwaqa Bakery and Coffee Shotzz in Nausori says playing both roles comes with its own challenges but its achievable.

She says all she wanted was the best for her six children and she made sure that she stepped up to the role.

Yee says she draws inspiration from her father who taught her never to rely on anyone and to always be independent.

She says back in the 70s it was a norm for parents to ask their daughters to find a good man to depend on, but Yee’s father never did that.

Yee dropped out of school in Form 5 and says there came a point in her life when she had no means to support her children.

Atela's Six Children. [Image: Raiwaqa Bakery/ Facebook]

She ventured on to start a small bakery which continued to grow to what we know now as Raiwaqa Bakery.

She says because she has played both roles for the past 15 years, she knew she had to put food on the table and ensure her children get everything they want and need.

Yee has wished all single mothers who play both roles a very happy Father’s Day.