Rowie Lal opens Nadi boutique
“I can say that business may be going down for some, but if you find the unique idea, there is a chance that you will get business going on in this time of uncertainty.”
The uncertainty of the current pandemic situation in Nadi hasn’t inhibited the unique ideas of Rowie Lal to establish her boutique shop.
The 26-year-old is a well-known contemporary artist, a fashion and bridal designer and also a crafts maker and social entrepreneur.
She moved the business from Suva to Nadi a month ago and officially opened up a shop at Eden Plaza, Martintar, Nadi.
She named the shop Rowie Lal Boutique. She said: “I actually wanted to start a bridal in Nadi for the western brides that used to come to Suva.”
“Before the pandemic, my family and I decided to move to Nadi to the serene and calm environment to extend our little family and our business.”
Nadi may be one of the affected areas of business during this pandemic, but to Ms Lal it was her creative ideas, and the support from people and her family that makes everything possible for her.
Fijians help and rely on each other eventhough tourist are not coming to Fiji, she said.
“When I opened my shop a couple of days ago, I got my first bride. I was happy because of the support.”
“I can say that business may be going down for some, but if you find the unique idea, there is a chance that you will get business going on in this time of uncertainty.”
Ms Lal creativity has led her on a sustainable journey towards transforming art into many forms of everyday lifestyle, these include;
■c●othi■g,
■c●utch purses and bags,
■i■terior decor,
■occasio■a● handmade gifts and
■●uxurious bridal wear.
She said her tropical clutch bag was hand assembled using a gold metal frame-molded/ upcycled from scrap metal and fabric waste collected from the workroom.
“We believe that every bit of fabric waste in your workspace is in fact recyclable.
“Recycling unleashes creativity and increases your economic security when tapping domestic or commercial sources of materials.
“Recycling also prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials,” she said.
“The end product of this process is what you see. An incredible work of art, a must have accessory; uniquely created with love.”
Ms Lal said her aim was to support rural women artisans by creating retail market access for women to portray their traditional skill.
“We value Fijian crafted and eco friendly design.
“Recognising and empowering women behind all our collaborations is the sustainable value that we thrive towards,” she added.
Stakeholders were present during the official opening on Friday.
One of the guests, lawyer Sabrina KhanSharma said: “Rowie Lal is a beautiful icon representing creativity in all her works. “