Women Inspiring Women
By The Pacific Business Hub
Ladies, Make Time! was the call to action for an event that was held in Manukau City over the weekend. An event that was inspired by women and organised by women for women business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
The event was organized by Laura Keil-Hall, owner & founder of The Pacific Business Hub, Nora Swann of Nora Swann Ltd, Dressed in Confidence & Pacific Fusion Fashion Show and Peninatautele Schmidt of Karas Fashion.
Laura says, “The event was simply about creating a space where women can come and just take a load off.”
“Over the years, I’ve heard our Pacific women mentioning and wishing for something or somewhere they could go to and just be themselves, to be around other like-minded women, where they can share their frustrations & tribulations. Some wanted to have a day of pampering and just focus on themselves. So, this event was trying to accomplish all those things, and we wanted to have an event where we get to celebrate women and our contribution to society as well. I feel women give so much of themselves and most times, the work women do are undervalued and unappreciated so by having these events and being intentional about it is saying to our women ‘you are valued, and you are appreciated’”, Laura continues.
Laura then mentioned and discussed this with long time and good friend Nora Swann some time ago who was immediately onboard.
Nora adds; “We sat on the idea for a while and about a month ago, we decided to lock in a date and just go for it although we were both quite full on with running our own businesses, being mothers and busy with other demands of life. But we knew we needed this especially at this time.”
“Then we brought on Penina. Together we literally made time to make time for this event because we know it is something that is so needed because it is something that we would want for ourselves too,” says Nora.
“I don’t think I had a choice,” Penina laughs. “They just said you’re in and that was that.”
Laura says, “We felt this was also an opportune time to hold such an event as we have been in lockdown with the pandemic for over 2 years. It was and still is challenging and tough for some of our women especially us in the business arena. Media and agencies talk about health & wellbeing but we’re not really seeing what that support looks like. The three of us just knew what we want and need so we went for it. We want to be motivated again, be inspired, be excited, dress up and go to events again and to rebuild our confidence and businesses.”
They chose the venue for their first-time event for the ambiance then finding out there was a hotel and a beauty salon on site. The location was perfect! It made facilitating the event so much easier for them.
The day started out with pampering sessions where some women came to get their nails, hair and make-up done throughout the day. The event also offered up complimentary make-up giveaway for any woman who wanted it with a hotel room where they can also relax and enjoy drinks and snacks.
The main event was the dinner and networking in the evening, which was filled with so much fun, laughter, confidence, courage, sassiness, honesty, inspiration with women sharing their entrepreneurial and career journeys with other women attendees.
Nora mentions that sadly they had to turn away a few ladies as they had sold out with the event hosting 45 women which was originally locked in for 40.
Laura, Nora and Penina collectively agree that it was an amazing day and evening shared with amazing women. What they experienced on Saturday was phenomenal and made all the hard work and dedication they put into it so gratifying and rewarding, and they would like to continue creating spaces that allow women to be uplifted, to be vulnerable and not be judged, to celebrate all that they/we are as women. To conclude, they said to look out for their next event and will look to go bigger to accommodate for more women to attend.
Comments from some of the women that attended the Ladies, Make Time event;
“We were surrounded by so many successful Pacific Proud women from all walks of life, who spoke and touched on real life experiences in their business journey. We left this special event feeling empowered, motivated, confident and Inspired.” – Lets Cheat Treats
"It was a first for me and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. To be amongst so many Pasifika business women/entrepreneurs, it truly is a feeling like no other. I learnt so much about the importance of networking with others as well as self-belief. And while I still have a lot to learn regarding business, I have left the event feeling very inspired and empowered! I have lot of work to do to reach my goals, however, the event has just reiterated the fact that with hard work and time, my goals will be achieved and my dreams will become a reality.” – Anne Ulaula
“It was phenomenal! A wonderful night celebrating all things women, entrepreneurs, business, and leadership. The organisers brought soul, energy and sassy style to create a classy occasion and a real space for people to share their lived experiences, the highs and lows, to connect, have fun, learn about each other’s businesses and passions.” – Sina Wendt
“We can get caught up in the busyness of life that we really do forget to “make time” for ourselves so being pampered & getting that self-care is so vital to our wairua/laumalie
But wow, learnt a lot from our Pasifika women who are killing it as businesswomen & entrepreneurs. We were spoilt with personal goodie bags, hair & make up, food, drinks, dessert but most importantly, we were blessed with wisdom, encouragement & an awesome night of networking.” – Agnes Tupou
“It was such an empowering scene to be a part of as well as being amongst beautiful like-minded Queens. Looking forward to the next.” – Hossana Mateo
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The organisers wish to acknowledge the support of;
Meta Nonoa Tyrell & LM4 Group .
Michael Barnett, Jonathan Faamatuainu & Auckland Business Chamber
Rosemary Keil of Wailana Rose Creations
Marina Taylor of Amplifyou
Shirley Siemsen of Made with Love By SS
Nika Vai-Levao & Theresa Feagaiga of Lets Cheat Treats
Loretta Snow Hunt of Cakes by Snowy
Abhi & the team at GroundFloor Cafe & Bistro
Jenil & Ramada Suites by Wyndham Manukau, Auckland
Theresa Henry & Samala Robinson Academy
Venice Beauty Salon
Vaimoana Tumema Sesega aka Mema Wilda
Pssst! Nora’s Pacific Fusion Fashion Show is coming up on the 28th of May - book tickets with your girls and experience the biggest Pacific platform showcasing Pacific talent in the fashion industry, from designers, to models, make-up artists, hair stylists and more. For more information and to get tickets go to https://fusionfashion.co.nz
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Check out highlights from the 2019 Pacific Fusion Fashion Show below