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According to an article published by local fashion designer Tanya Whiteside, she has taken a step further into the world of business by opening her own fashion show in Suva. Fiji Times November 12, 1992.
The article states that Ms Whiteside, one of the most talented young fashion designers in the South Pacific, and her business partner and husband Robert Go will use the showroom to sell Ms Whiteside’s designer collection.
The fashion boutique is the first of its kind in the South Pacific.
“In fact, the boutique embodies everything Robert and I personally desire in a retail store – a cool, comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, soft, relaxing background music, pleasant, experienced sales service and staff, and high-quality products,” the article states.
“We want our customers to experience joy, satisfaction and fulfillment when they purchase Tanya Whiteside.”
One very special service that customers of the new Tanya Whiteside boutique will enjoy is personal attention from the designer herself.
Although Ms. Whiteside has two assistants she has trained to look after customers’ needs, she still spends several hours a day in the boutique offering advice and assistance to clients.
Mr Gho said the venture represented a new phase in the development of Tanya Whiteside Ltd (TW Ltd), the retail business the couple founded in 1987.
In operation since early 1988, TW Ltd has focused primarily on designing and exporting semi-exclusive casual wear to Australia, the United States and New Zealand.
However, the growing demand for Tanya Whiteside’s exclusive products in the country over the past few years highlighted the need to open a store to cater to locals who want to buy into the TW brand, “Our Suva store is a brave step that many business people have to take at some stage in their careers. For Tanya and me, that time is now,” he said.
“Owning a boutique means we have control over our merchandise and the freedom to retail our exclusive items in the way we deem best.
“Tanya has unique talents as a fashion designer and artist, and the marketing and retail of her merchandise requires special attention and promotion.”
The article recently stated that Ms. Whiteside has been able to devote more time to the artistic elements of her designs.
“Customers will discover the real me in the pieces on display in the new boutique.
“Because my designs are not for export, where the taste and trends of the market can dictate or have a considerable influence on the collection, there is more freedom and interest in the colour and design combinations of the garments on sale.
“It’s a joyful challenge for me to design products that are simple in style, versatile, comfortable and enjoyable.”
In late 1977, Ms Whiteside and Mr Go were just starting out when they decided to submit their fashion design and marketing business plan to the inaugural “Start-up Competition” hosted by the Fiji Development Bank/Westpac Bank.
They won first place and used the prize money to kick-start their fledgling business.
“Fashion is an extremely difficult market to enter. We have managed to win orders from individual importers in New Zealand, Denmark and New Caledonia.
“Robert and I both wanted to knock on international doors, but our new venture in Suva has given us a new focus on business that we are both very passionate about. It has given us confidence not only in ourselves but also in our country.”
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