Meet Shahana Kimiangatau, the founder and owner of Shahana Jewels.

The Fijian born who now calls Auckland, New Zealand home, grew up in a multicultural home where her father was Indo-Fijian and her mother was Chinese Italian.

The pearls that make up the beautiful Shahana Jewels are sourced from Tahiti.

Her inspiration to start Shahana Jewels came from women in her family, particularly her mother and grandmother.

She said: “They have always encouraged me to be financially independent, to give back and to always use my voice for positive change.

“I really started thinking about my business when I lost my mum to cancer.

“While grieving, I wished that she had done more things she loved, that she had looked after herself more and that she had put herself first more.

“I didn’t want to have those regrets.

“I wanted to do something purposeful that gave me a reason to get out of bed every day.”

Career

Her family background, she says absolutely influenced her career choices.

“In fact I would spend hours in jewellery shops with my mother in Fiji and New Zealand.

“We would spend hours speaking to the jewellers and making them show us the unique pieces that no one else would have if we bought it.

“Our jewellery is made entirely by women in New Zealand and India, and we are so humbled to give them opportunities to stand on their own two feet.” She says she can’t wait to return to Fiji when the borders open.

“I miss my family and the food!”

What’s one place you’d take every visitor to in Fiji and why?

Definitely to visit my family, they get fed great food and really experience the Fijian culture

What’s your favourite place in Fiji for a pie/coffee?

I love going to Gloria Jean’s when I am in Fiji – mostly for their Cassava cake and Ice Chocolate

What’s one spot in Fiji on the top of your bucket list?

I would love to visit Likuliku Lagoon Resort one day.

Note: Likuliku Lagoon Resort (currently closed in light of COVID-19) is a haven of subtle luxury for adults only and reserved exclusively for guests in-residence at the resort.

It is the first and only resort in Fiji with authentic over water-bures, in a natural ocean lagoon, surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj