Dili, April 24, 2025 (Média Democracia) – Mariana de Deus (48), originally from Ermera Municipality, is currently living in Tasi-Tolu, Karantina neighborhood. She lives as a small-scale trader, conducting daily business along the roadside to support her family’s needs.
According to Mariana de Deus, over many years she has lived as a small vendor, running a modest business by selling items such as cigarettes, phone credit, bottled water, and instant noodles. This allows her to earn a little money to cover daily necessities and to eventually send her children to university.
“The money I’ve used to run this small business started with just $100 back in 2015. I used it to buy basic items to sell at home. But since these products are not too profitable, because many people are also trying to make a small living so I’ve made a plan to have my husband build a small cart so I can sell goods along the roadside near the Tasi-Tolu primary school,” said Mariana de Deus.
She continued by saying that cigarettes and phone credit bring in around $15 to $20 per day depending on luck, because many others also sell goods on the roadside in an effort to earn money for their daily needs.
“Even though many people are selling items along the roadside, I continue to make the effort and compete with others, hoping for a bit of luck. On a good day, I can make up to $20, but if I’m not lucky, it’s less than $15. There are so many of us running small businesses now. That’s why I have to wake up early, prepare food at midday to eat there, and continue selling until 5 PM before returning home,” she explained.
She emphasized that although the business only earns a small income, it’s not a problem because it helps meet daily needs and supports her children’s education.
“I have two sons and three daughters. My sons couldn’t continue their studies at university due to lack of money, so they stopped after high school. But my two daughters are currently in secondary school and one is in pre-secondary. In the future, I still aim to send them to university. I believe that through this small business, I can help make that happen,” she said.
She affirmed that although the small business only brings modest earnings, she keeps trying in hopes of saving enough to send her children back to continue their university studies, because their future is very important.
In conclusion, Mariana became a vendor through her own efforts, and although she faced many challenges, she continues to push forward with her roadside sales. Even if she only earns a little each day, it’s enough to cover daily needs and she remains committed to sending her children to university in the future.
Report by : Nelfiano
Photo by : Nelfiano