Rugby 7s Players Support Entrepreneur’s New Brand

Rugby 7s is one of the fastest growing sport in the world, and as a new business owner Diri Nasalo is taking advantage of that trend.

About Yalayala

Mr Nasalo is the founder of Yalayala Streetwear, a brand that meshes sportswear and streetwear to create unique pieces of clothing that focus on representing rugby 7s.

He was motivated to start the company as the opportunity to create something new and unique to the market, he said.

“Yalayala’s values lie in our authenticity and emotional connection,” said Mr Nasalo.

“Everything from the meaning behind the word Yalayala to the design of the logo is developed to be unique and separate to other clothing labels because of that raw connection.”

The name of the brand comes from the Fijian word for promise.

Mr Nasalo said he chose it because it fit his vision in a number of different ways.

Rugby 7s star Alasio Naduva sporting Yalayala gear. Photo: Courtesy of Diri Nasalo

“I have been lucky enough to link up with some of the Fijian Rugby 7s players to assist with my brand awareness,” he said.

As the brand picks up momentum, he hopes it eventually becomes an international symbol for Fiji and rugby 7s.

“Yalayala could represent Fiji on an international level and give us pride as Fijians, especially because the brand represents rugby 7s and as a small island nation, rugby 7s is like religion to us,” said Mr Nasalo.

“We’re the 7s Olympic champions and known throughout the world as the best to play the game, this brand will hopefully give Fijians a sense of pride regardless of where they are in the world.”

This desire is rooted deep in his family ties.

Both of Mr Nasalo’s parents hail from Fiji; his mother is from Sawana and his father Watisoni Nasalo Yalayala, is from Rewa and played for Fiji rugby 15s in the 70s.

His cousins Sam Yalayala and Diri Yalayala also played rugby for Fiji.

“Coming from a rugby family, it only made sense to associate my brand with rugby,” said Mr Nasalo.

He also hopes that once the company expands, it will be able to help grassroots rugby in Fiji.

Until then, his focus is on starting small and continuing to build brand awareness and trust.

Since Mr Nasalo is currently the only one running the company, he’ll have a lot of hats to fill in order to make that happen, but it’s not something that seems to deter him in the slightest.

“The ability to be creative on the daily was enough motivation to get out there and push for Yalayala to be successful,” he said. “Everything starts off with an idea and a dream.

“Think big and be prepared to work for it,” he added.

“It’s small, daily habits that get you long-term results.”

Feedback: Sydnee.gonzalez@fijisun.com.fj