Sokoiwasa overcomes circumstances to emerge as a successful hairstylist

Work hard in silence and let success be your noise.

This is a sentiment that rings true for Sereana Sokoiwasa who overcame her circumstances to emerge as a successful hairstylist, leaving behind her days of selling food on the streets.

Sokoiwasa who is a mother of 3 says she had a passion for styling her hair when she was young and started trying different hairstyles with her family members.

She says she met a friend, Daniel Foster, who was also a hairstylist and gave her advice and ways to perfect her skills.

She says while she was doing her business at home, she decided to move to another area as her clients were increasing so she moved to the Suva Flea Market where her journey expanded to makeup artist, hairstylist and braiding.

She says 2020 was a sad year for her because the Flea Market burnt down and all her hard work was destroyed.

However, she says she never lost hope and started her business again at home where over time, her talent caught the attention of influential individuals like Laisa Vulakoro

She says through word-of-mouth recommendations and the power of social media, she had a significant following, propelling her career to new heights.

Today, Soko Beauty and Net Cafe has its own hair salon based at Robertson Road Shop 4 in Suva and is thankful to everyone who helped her through her journey.

She adds she’s an advocate for empowering individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering mentorship and support to aspiring hairstylists who may be following similar paths.