At eCampus NZ, our online business qualifications attract entrepreneurs, creatives, innovators, and change-makers from across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Current eCampus NZ learner and talented graphic designer, Sulia Rasa, is no exception.
Sulia is the director of Vakaviti Dzine, a growing made-to-order garment business with a focus on sportswear and traditional Fijian graphic design.
But how did it all begin?
After graduating from the Fiji Institute of Technology with a qualification in graphic design, Sulia worked in commercial printing before finding her true passion in 2010 when she joined an Australian sportswear business with operations in Fiji and began working with textiles.
Sulia decided to launch Vakaviti Dzine after she moved to New Zealand and saw demand in the Fijian community for apparel that incorporates traditional Fijian design.
“In Fiji, we tell stories through our designs. I put those traditions into our garments,” Sulia said.
At that’s how Vakaviti Dzine began.
Word of Sulia’s talent and professionalism quickly spread and her design skills are in hot demand. She has designed uniforms for a number of New Zealand sports teams, including the Tailevu Sevens and the Hawkes Bay Fijian rugby team.
Hawkes Bay Fijian rugby team in uniforms designed by Vakaviti Dzine.
Outside of sportswear, Vakaviti Dzine has also worked with clients such as Adi Cakobau School Old Girls in New Zealand and Australia, and Fijian RSE workers in Hawke’s Bay.
Sulia gets great pleasure from working with her clients to produce custom designs.
“We always want to make our customers happy by giving them what they want. In return, when they appreciate it, that just makes our day and we always want to do more for them,” said Sulia.
Adi Cakobau School Old Girls Australia hoodies, designed by Vakaviti Dzine.
As her business grows and evolves, Sulia plans to sell her clothing in brick-and-mortar shops across New Zealand before expanding into international markets.
It’s this drive and ambition that led Sulia to enrol with the Eastern Institute of Technology and complete the New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) online with eCampus NZ.
This qualification helps learners to set themselves up for success through learning about small business planning, regulatory and legal requirements, and managing effective relationships with suppliers, customers, clients, staff and contractors.
“I really wanted to learn the business of business,” said Sulia. “[The courses] are really useful and I’ve learnt a lot.”
With a business to run, a qualification to finish, and a website in the works, Sulia has a lot on her plate! But for her, it’s all worth it when her clients see their garments for the first time.
“Putting smiles on their faces is always a pleasure to see,” said Sulia.
If you’re interested in Sulia’s custom creations, visit Vakaviti Dzine’s Facebook page or email them directly at [email protected]!
If you’re interested in starting your own small business and want to set yourself up for success, check out our range of online qualifications in small business.