Sharing on what makes her tick, she said, "My faith, my children, cooking with my husband and investing in our business are some of my passions in life. I also recently discovered a passion for exercise after having my babies. I had forgotten what it was like to break a sweat, and the need to be healthy and to stay fit to catch up to my kids!”
Speaking about entrepreneurship, she added, “I love to push myself to be the best that I can; if something doesn’t go according to plan, often I can be my own worst enemy. I would like to think that I am a Perfectionist… and not in a good way,” she adds with a laugh.
In contrast to the social-oriented atmosphere of a cafe, Eira revealed that she’s an introvert.
“Sometimes I come out as overly hyper and very friendly, something I have learnt to be, given the nature of our business. But in fact, I get anxious when I’m in a room full of people and most times I would rather avoid public gatherings and stay home with my kids."
In her down time, Eira enjoys treating her children out, making memories and cherishing every moment.
6am – The kids are awake. Usually I spend time with them, lying in bed and telling stories. Then we video call their Dad to say good morning, as he normally leaves home before they wake.
9am – Kids have had breakfast and it’s time to start on my baking for the Café – Chocolate Pie, Banoffee Pie, Chocolate Cake, Eclairs and Scones if I can squeeze in the time.
12pm – I get ready for work and take in my baking, plus trialing the ‘Special for the Week’.
3pm – Done with my paperwork and updates for the week. I rush home in time for my son’s feeding time.
6pm – Time to get dinner ready.
6am – My usual morning routine, spending time with the kids.
9am – I’ve just got into work; catching up with paperwork, banking and the staff pay. Also getting our popular Oka dish ready for lunch
3pm – Heading home now to the kids.
6pm – A trip to the Sea wall for a walk with the kids. We love finding places to take our kids for a treat.
9pm – Kids wipe down and bath time before bed. Time to unwind with a movie on Netflix.
8am – Saturday is the busiest day of the week! Rushing off to work.
10am – Serving tables, as orders fly in.
12pm – Quickly replying to outstanding catering orders and sorting the following week’s schedules for catering orders and our Specials!
3pm – After a busy day, we close up and head home.
6pm – This is our family outing day! We love having a treat day, eating out with the kids and wasting petrol.
As told to Fashion Stylist - Shivani Sharma
]]>With zeal, she pursues her goal to thrive by "showing up and giving 100% always! "
MONDAY
5:15 a.m.- Carefully roll out of bed to not wake my toddler. Glass of ACV water followed by a quick hot shower to wake up. Grab my gym essentials and to-do list, I'm out the door!
6 a.m.- Crossfit Fatutoa. It's Heavy Clean & Jerk testing today. Such a positive way to start my day with a good sweat and great company.
9:30 a.m.- I recently started homeschooling. I settle my 9 year old with her online math lessons, my 7 year old with Language Arts at the kitchen table, as I go over phonics with my five year old on the couch. I rotate between children and teaching subjects, all while their baby sister spreads toys everywhere.
1 p.m.- Run errands around town for my husband's office. But first, pick up my favourite order at Krush Juice Lounge. I'm addicted to their black bean pesto burger and protein shakes.
6 p.m.- Dinner and family time.
9 p.m.- Review homeschool lessons plans for the next day, update planner. The more thoughts I write down, the more productive I am the next day.
10:30 p.m.- Lights out. Gone are my late nights on social media, it's all about quality sleep now!
WEDNESDAY
9 a.m.- On the road to Nana's village in Aleipata. Enjoying the flexibility of homeschool as we play at the beach and learn about the ocean.
4 p.m. Starting on Dinner early before dropping my Son off at Judo practice.
5:30 p.m.- I make a goal to try something new each year, this year the Nafanua Kalapu Alo Paopao Club have welcomed me to their social padding. It's such beautiful sight being out on the ocean in the evening and looking in at Apia and the mountains.
9:30 p.m - Reading the Chronicles of Narnia with my kids before falling asleep.
FRIDAY
7 a.m.- Grabbing a cold niu at the makeki after a killer Crossfit WOD (workout of the day). Stocking up on fruits for smoothies.
9 a.m - Kids are fed. Makeup and hair done. My morning consists of stopping at Samoa Spare Parts for oil filters and break pads, SSAB for an upcoming science experiment lesson and Eveni Carruther's for a special birthday gift.
1 p.m - Enjoying a juicy cheeseburger from Rosy's at The White House in Fugalei, never disappoints!
5 p.m.- On Fridays we don't Homeschool but instead plan an activity. So up the Robert Louis trail we are currently hiking, toddler on my back and the three older ones running ahead of me. We finish off with a swim in the river afterwards. Hashtag, Lucky we live Samoa!
8:30 p.m - After a long week it's pizza for the kids, while Mommy has dinner at Amanaki's with friends followed by karaoke!
As told to Fashion Stylist - Shivani Sharma
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Tuesday
8.00 am. I’m on my way to practice a song I’m singing for my old Bishop’s funeral. Reflecting on how short life is, the importance of cherishing the small moments and a strong yet humble man who I respected and always made me smile.
11.00 am. The atmosphere is so sweet and reverent, I’m honoured to sing for this family.
1.00 pm. Back at home, while my daughters are eating lunch. I quickly caught up on schoolwork and reading. I use whatever time I can, to get the work DONE!
5.00 pm. Didn’t get time to prep dinner today, so we bought chicken tacos. Yum!
7.00 pm. This is when we start our bedtime routine. I usually read to my girls, but tonight they went off track and preferred to talk. Once they’re asleep, it’s more study for me…
Thursday
6.00 am. My hubby usually gets up early to hit the gym, so I use this time to read/check emails/Insta before my girls wake up.
7.00 am. The girls are awake AND the chaos begins! I better get their breakfast sorted before they start destroying things/each other #mumlife
8.00 am. Finally, the girls are ready and off to school! I have a school paper due soon, so I get a head start writing that.
12.00 pm. Hubby works shifts and I’m grateful to have a flexible schedule so that we can get in some alone time on his off days. Today we went on a date to Black Pepper Café. Their Tuna & Salad Bar was to die for!
2.00 pm. Gym time! My favourite way to de-stress is to get into the gym for a heavy weight session. I have noticed a huge shift in my mood & mental health since incorporating regular exercise into my routine.
Saturday
11.00 am. Possible cyclone conditions approaching the island, really would love to just watch movies all day but what about CrossFit?
12.05 pm. Remembered all the chocolate I ate yesterday. “Let’s go, your body will thank you for it”.
12.30 pm. CrossFit FatuToa literally destroyed me! It was partner day, so my partner Jay Jay took the lead! I love being inspired by strong and motivated people here! #FitnessGoals
5.00 pm. I have a leadership position at church, so the first half of my Sundays are quite busy. I use this time to organise any last-minute items and prepare for the day.
6.00 pm. After an intense CrossFit work out, I need to get some shut-eye! Sweet dreams.
As told to Fashion Stylist - Shivani Sharma
]]>Woman On-The-Go
Moemoana Safaatoa Schwenke is heralded as one of few female Siva Afi Performers in the world. The 19-year old Creative Performing Artist and Indigenous Cultural Preservation Advocate is fiercely proud of her cultural and historic roots, investing much of her time between Samoa, Australia and extensive travels to regional dance competitions and projects throughout the South Pacific.
With a passion for teaching young and old Pacific Islanders about their culture and history through creative and performing arts, she instills her knowledge in seven Pacific cultural dance disciplines through teaching at her family-owned cultural center- Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts’ in Sydney. Last year, she competed in the World Fire-Knife Championships in Hawaii and placed at the 1st Runner Up in the Women’s division.
Sharing to Eveni Pacific, she said, “It is not uncommon for Pacific Islanders residing in Australia or New Zealand to feel like they are battling stereotypes, to feel non-belonging, inferior, judged by color, gravitation to western influence, or completely un-identifying as a Pacific Islander because they lack knowledge of where they come from and who they are. I believe that knowledge of one’s culture and history will contribute to a strengthened identity.”
“While I am still navigating my way through an ever-changing journey, figuring out what kind of legacy I hope to leave in the world, my strengths that I believe I hold — are being multifaceted, independent, brave and versatile.”
As she juggles Creative Performing Arts, teaching, working and studying toward a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and Environmental Humanities at the University of Wollongong, Moemoana lives true to her name, navigating the waters of life with calm composure and peaceful poise.
9:00 a.m Discussing and researching potential costume ideas and themes for an upcoming event, sketching all ideas down. After finalizing the first draft, I had a few hours of Siva Afi practise with dad. The world fire-knife competition is in May - I can’t wait, but there is much work to be done!
1:00 p.m Working on bringing more Siva Afi workshops to Australia and abroad, chatting with people to organise venue and facility hire, as well as working on some eye-catching ads and posters. Finalising my logo for some exciting things coming soon. Then my family and I drive to Sydney
to teach classes. Driving from home to our centre Matavai in Sydney takes an
hour, so the drive is a time to either rest up or prepare lessons or meditate on
what I want to teach the kids.
4:30 p.m My little girls Cook Islands Ura Pau class begins now and the class is growing. I’m teaching the children interesting facts about the Cook Islands, my experiences dancing and learning there, as well as going over technique. Mastering basic steps makes a great dancer.
6:30 p.m- My father and I run fire-knife classes for all ages and levels at 6:30pm every Monday. Majority of our classes are girls! Trying to teach them as much as we can within the hour. The kids were so engaged today.
7:30 p.m- Our new Tahitian class I’ve been teaching, began two weeks ago and are high intensity!
I’ve been teaching the girls basic movements as it is a new style of dance for them. Most students are Samoan or Tongan. A champion Tahitian dancer all the way from Tahiti is coming soon to take over teaching the classes, so I’m preparing them to get into choreography as soon as she arrives.
11:00 a.m- Its show day today! We are performing for Sydney’s Waitangi Day celebrations. Today I’m dancing for Manea Pacifica, a Cook Islands dance group based in Sydney. Our practise last night finished at 11:30pm, so we’re a-bit tired. We’re at the venue early to support the other performing groups and to get ready. 40 degree heat here so it’s going to be a hot one!
2:00 p.m- Showtime. I’m performing in 2 drum dances and 1 slow dance. I love dancing, its where all the practise has to come into play.
4:30 p.m- Straight after the show I needed to be back at Matavai for practise, it's another big show on tomorrow. The practise went on for an hour. By the end of the show and practise I need sleep! Haha!
8:00 p.m- Scheduling some posts for the Matavai social media pages as well as my own page. Promoting classes and events on our Matavai social media pages is very time consuming.
5:30 a.m Today is an exciting day - Sydney Rugby Sevens show is on today, and the singer FIJI is also performing. An early wake up for my family and I; packing the car with all the costumes for the performers, and getting myself ready, especially hair and makeup takes a long time. Quick coffee hit and we are on our way.
9:00 a.m- Our first show and we are seeing mostly Fijian fans today. Our change rooms are directly near the recovery rooms so we are passing many of the players in the zone mentally preparing themselves for their games. At our first show i performed fire-knife, a Tongan tauolunga, as well a my Tahitian dance I learnt in Tahiti.
2:30 p.m- Since our first show at 9am we had another two, now we are onto our fourth performance today at the main festival stage. The show was so fun. Full capacity crowds full of Fijian rugby fans guarantees hype. Matavai finished the day off with best show yet.
As told to Fashion Stylist- Shivani Sharma
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Women On-The-Go
If you flick through Eveni Pacific's Instagram stories with aesthetically pleasing layouts to the latests instore must-haves, know that Teuila Ami Laban is the one behind the screen.
Starting out as a Fashion Stylist, the Saipan-born, mother-of-one now expresses her passion for fashion as a Content Creator for the social media platforms and websites viewed by thousands of Eveni's followers each day.
Her daily grind means balancing between coordinating photo shoots, reviewing upcoming models & fittings, as well as styling and shooting Behind-The-Scenes footage; a task that is somewhat hectic with the multiple store locations around the Pacific.
She says, "Everyday is a challenge. If not at work, then at home watching over my son. I'm new to the work force and motherhood, so there's quite a few times where I feel like quitting. It's always important to remember why you started."
In her down-time, this fashionista cherishes time with her son and family; watching Insta-makeup tutorials or checking out a new release at the Cinemas.
Tuesday
7:00 a.m. Even when I don’t sleep well, I always wake up early, no alarm clock needed. I got used to this due to my son’s early morning wake ups as a newborn.
11:00 a.m. We’ve started taking on more photo and content creation for Instagram, so I've been working daily on Artcraft for Instagram/Facebook stories and advertising the new arrivals and colours instore and at our other locations.
3:30 p.m. I worked on updating the online website store for the Eveni Pacific Women’s Clothing. Ran a review and checked whether available stock info was correct. Also reviewed our last photo shoot images and picked my favourites to run for the social media accounts.
7 p.m. Quick catch-up with a few cousins who were travelling overseas, followed by a dinner night out at Paddles.
11:30 p.m. Watched “Game of Thrones” before bed.
Wednesday
8:30 a.m. Worked on getting the Latest Arrivals sorted and merchandised. Part of this is ensuring there is enough storage space for new and more stock as well as rack-space for display. Had a quick meeting on the new styles.
11:00 a.m. Helped a family with a color-match outfit as some sizes of their chosen colors were not available. Took some time but in the end, the family was satisfied with their final color. It was not easy!
1:00 p.m. Had lunch at my all time fav Mr Chicken and listening to the new song Blinding Lights by the Weekend, it has a pretty cool beat!
3:30 p.m Model fittings for the upcoming photo shoot. Updated our marketing calendar & ran a quick poll on IG story on our new arrivals. Also edited the Eveni Pacific Men’s department TikTok video.
Saturday
7:00 a.m Breakfast was buttered toast and coffee. My son woke me up wanting his bottle of milk so mixed one up for him.
Applied Daytime makeup. I’ve recently started wearing false lashes to work due to eyelash hair loss but I hate it! If I'm rushing and they're not glued on properly, they're irritating. -_-
10:00 a.m Arrived at work and began reviewing the photoshoot script for the shoot at Nourish Cafe and Digicel. We had model cancel last-minute so quickly worked in finding a replacement. Re-scheduled a last-minute fitting and hair & makeup.
10:30 a.m Added final touches and accessories to the models before leaving for my appointments. I'm modeling today as well!
Accessories are usually based on their figure type and colours that suit their skin tone.
1:00 p.m. The Photographers and Managers were waiting, by the time I arrived. Another Eveni Stylist was also there to help manage the outfits and ensure the models were changing according to the photoshoot script. After shooting, the models were gifted some goodies. It was a super fun experience!
8:00 p.m. Knocked out early. I was exhausted from the shoot!
As Told to Fashion Stylist -Shivani
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