Soni’s special signiture
Jewellery for that plus-seized customer
AS a big Pacific woman, shopping for plus-sized clothes and accessories hasn’t always been easy for Soni Matthews.
Finding items that could fit her was a hassle.
While living in American Samoa some years back, she would combine two necklaces just so they could fit her neck.
To her surprise, she started receiving compliments from the other plussized women.
One thing led to another and in the end, Matthews founded Black Butterfly Design, with plus women in mind.
Coming from a long line of craftspeople, Matthews believed it was only right that she took her hobby to another level.
“My grandmother, aunts and relatives were embroiderers, so I was probably born into this line of business,” she said.
The stay-at-home mum said she had to find something to do after she did her school drop off.
“I like to keep busy and so I thought why not make jewellery for us big beautiful women.’
From a small cottage business, Black Butterfly Designs has grown over the past 22 years to be one of the most trusted jewellery suppliers in the country.
The business has allowed Matthews to stamp her mark in the local handcrafted jewellery market.
She sources most of her products locally as she believes in giving back to the local community and supporting local talents and business.
Matthews said sometimes she would just walk around the city and buy jewellery too small or not up to her liking.
“I bring these products, fix them according to my liking and sell them again.”
“I also mend other people’s jewellery. It cost a little extra but I add my personal touch.”
The passionate jeweller and craftswoman says she has to manage time well in order to run a business and also managing her family.
When life gets a little stressful she plays a game of golf to get a peace of mind
As Fijians continue to celebrate the New Year she advises everyone to “love and care for one another”.
“Life may be an uphill battle at times. Complaining is not the option, hard work and sacrifice is the answer to those difficulties.”