She wove her struggles into strength and created a brand that inspires — Luisa Qiolevu

With dreams of expanding her business to support children who have lost parents to breast cancer and to empower single mothers facing financial and emotional challenges, 39-year-old businesswoman Luisa Qiolevu from Nakorovou, Dreketi in Rewa continues to turn her struggles into strength.

Qiolevu shares how she began building her own brand, Mami Loogie, also known as House of ML — a name now gaining recognition in Fiji’s growing fashion industry.

When asked by fijivillage News how it all started and what drives her passion, she emotionally shared that her love for fashion began during the pandemic.

She says that when she lost her job during COVID, she decided to venture into fabric arts.

Qiolevu adds that her designs and creates custom-made shirts, dresses, scarves, and other garments, including her signature sublimation-printed designs.

What began as a small idea born out of financial uncertainty has grown into a meaningful business inspired by family and resilience.

She highlights that she started with sarongs and summer dresses before moving into sublimation printing.

She explains that it was all about finding a way to support my family.

For Qiolevu, family is at the heart of everything she does. Qiolevu says that after losing her sister-in-law in 2009, she stepped in to raise her three nieces, who have since become her greatest inspiration.

She further says, that she wanted to be someone they could depend on and someone who provides — because she didn’t have that growing up.

She adds that they’re the reason she keeps pushing forward.

She says that two of her nieces are now in secondary school and one in primary school — all supported by her through the business.

She further says her work also helps her parents and brothers, proving that Mami Loogie is more than just a brand — it’s a symbol of love, sacrifice, and family strength.

Qiolevu highlights that her designs carry deep personal meaning, with each print named after family members or personal experiences.

She says the Nusi Veva print pays tribute to her former career as a journalist, while the Bau Bau print honours her late grandfather.

Another design is Vere, Rawaiautale, PesaLagi, and ArchieVaVinoMia and is named after her four nieces: Archie, Va, Vino, and Mia.

Now in her third year in the fashion industry, Qiolevu says that she is gaining recognition as a local designer, participating in marketing shows and engaging with communities.

She extends message to other women is one of courage and self-belief.

Qiolevu says she will be part of the MAKETE Show, which will feature more than 40 MSMEs this year, with her among the 12 designers in the main collection lineup.

The Pacifique Artisans Collective will present its annual philanthropic MAKETE 2025 is this Saturday.