Their banner had stood right outside their tent. “the beauty of confidence, made with love” it read, and just like that, I wanted to know more about them.
Leikeila’s closet is a woman’s clothing store that sells chic and fashionable smart casual clothes, while also prioritizing the comfort of its customers.
During the three day 2024 Christmas roc market, their tent was beautifully set up, their bright dresses were elegantly displayed and what really impressed me was how spacious their stall was. Despite being under a tent, they were able to make you feel like you were browsing through a real shop.
I was able to interview Aluesi Tavucu, an Itaukei friendly woman who was so open and enthusiastic about the interview, being helpful and generous to accommodate my needs.
Leikeila’s closet targets all kinds of women, from young corporate workers to hardworking mothers. The clothes they sell are business casual attires that are made to the current fashion trends. To maximize comfort for their customers, their clothes are made entirely from linen, cotton and rayon.
They also like to make sure that pacific women feel comfortable in attire that aligns with their culture. Modesty in women’s wear is often seen as respectful in the culture of the pacific. Leikeila’s closet has kept this in mind and sells dresses that are modest, while also maintaining its trendy look that makes you feel fashionable and poised.
Depending on the particular line of clothes, their sizes may vary. For example their Boho range of dresses spanned from size 10 to 26, while other dresses may have a more limited fit.
Their clothes are all designed and manufactured in their factory which is based in Australia.
Despite being based in Nadi, Leikeila’s closet is not bound to just one location. Even before the opening of their store in December 2023, they’ve been venturing off to markets, roadsides and even to villages. This is something Leikeila’s closet has been doing for almost six to seven years, and it has allowed them to open themselves to communities all around.
I was told that a major part of their success is due to the opportunities provided through selling at the roc market. “we are so thankful to the roc market organizers,” Aluesi tells me. “Its allowed us to put our business forward,”. She also tells me that the business would not be what it is today, if it weren’t for the ability to sell at different markets.
Like all businesses, Leikeila’s closet goes through challenges. For this business, their main struggle is dealing with the weather. With their constant efforts to reach different communities, the weather is aways unpredictable. During a very rainy day, they had their tent blown over and broken. That day their clothes were all soaked and it took them days to dry it out.
Despite the problems caused by weather, Leikeila’s closet always turns up. No matter the problems they face, Leikeila’s closet is resilient towards the issues. “we never give up! we keep going and we keep husting,”.
They tell me that what they once saw as challenges, were later understood as learning experiences. These experiences have allowed the business to grow stronger and ultimately allow them to prepare better for the future.
Leikeila’s closet is based in shop 5 Vunavau street, Nadi.When asked about opening a branch in Suva, they tell me that its in the pipeline of their future plans.
You can find updates on Leikeila’s Closet through their Facebook page: Leikeilas loloma closet, which is linked below.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Leikeilas-Loloma-Closet/100063511451277/
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