Mother of four wins Hairdressing Dux Award to inspire daughters

A mother of four pursued her dream to inspire her daughters through education.

Rosie Talemailakeba Isaac, 46, of Avea, Vanuabalavu in Lau, received the Hairdressing Dux Award for the Suva Campus during the Pivot Point Fiji graduation at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi last Saturday.

For Ms Isaac, completing her eight-month diploma in hairdressing was more than a personal achievement; it was about setting an example at home.

“My four beautiful daughters are my reason,” she said. “I want to leave them something they can be proud of, to encourage and inspire them as young women.”

Married for almost 20 years, she credited her husband as her pillar of strength.

“My husband has been my biggest supporter. I couldn’t have done it without my family. This award belongs to them as much as it does to me.”

Ms Isaac said she was overwhelmed when her name was announced.

“I’m incredibly grateful and overwhelmed with joy. I didn’t expect it at all.

“It represents the sacrifices and determination I’ve put into reaching this milestone. Through God’s grace and the support of my family, educators and friends, I made it,” she said.

A pattern maker and fashion designer, she completed a course at Lyndhurst in 2018 and previously studied business administration at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in 2014.

She joined Pivot Point to strengthen her bridal services.

“Now I can include bridal hairstyling in my wedding packages. It’s an added bonus.”

With support from the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS), she seized the opportunity to study.

In five years, she hopes to open her own salon, and in 10 years, she plans to mentor young women and become a successful iTaukei entrepreneur.