A heartfelt mother-daughter moment stole the spotlight at the Vodafone Fiji Fashion Week on Saturday as fashion designer Su Samuels walked the runway hand-in-hand with her two daughters after showcasing her latest collection.
The owner of Lavalani Fiji became emotional as her daughters joined her on the catwalk, turning the conclusion of her showcase into a celebration of family, perseverance and the pursuit of dreams.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Samuels says one of the most memorable moments of the evening came when her daughters reached for her hand and walked beside her.
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The touching runway moment culminated with Samuels bowing in gratitude as the models completed their walk, creating a powerful display of mother-daughter unity that resonated with the audience.
Reflecting on her journey, Samuels acknowledged that building a business in Fiji had not been without its challenges.
She says she did face a lot of hurdles, but the key is to stay at it, enjoy what you do and know that there's always light at the end of the tunnel.
Samuels says she believes every obstacle presents an opportunity to learn and grow.
Samuels also took pride in seeing her signature masi-inspired prints transformed into wearable designs on the runway.
She revealed that several of the models showcasing her collection were walking in a fashion show for the first time.
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Samuels says she hopes her story will inspire others, particularly women and mothers, to pursue their ambitions regardless of life's circumstances.
She challenged the notion that motherhood limits a woman's potential, saying many women underestimate what they can accomplish after starting a family.
Offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, Samuels encouraged people to take the first step rather than wait for perfect conditions.
Her journey from aspiring designer to fashion entrepreneur, celebrated alongside her daughters on the runway, served as a reminder that determination, family support and belief in one's vision can turn dreams into reality.
