She is positive and energetic and while vying for the Miss Samoa 2023 crown she is taking care of her grandparents, going to work and pursuing studies at the National University of Samoa.

Miss Teine Lelei Creations, Helen Vera Isitolo Lemisio is 23-years-old, is the eldest of the four siblings and the only daughter of Taumaoe and Isitolo Lemisio.

She said God has been the biggest motivation through her journey to becoming a contestant. 

“God prepared me with my mindset not to give up easily but to know that this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime because we never know what will happen in the years to come,” she said.

“When I signed up for the Miss Samoa pageant I made it as a surprise for my family. The only people that knew at first were my closest friends. 

"Once my family found out it was hard for them to accept because they said that it was a big responsibility to deal with however, with their blessing and support I was able to do this."

She is currently in her first year at the National University of Samoa pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree. She made the decision to start working the same year believing that part of being independent is also being able to earn and support her family especially for her grandparents.

“They are my motivation as well. In our culture it is always about taking care of the elders and to me it was not an easy responsibility to take on cause we all have things to do but it all comes down to obeying your parents," she said. 

"I know it’s very hard for us today to listen to our family with what to do and what not to do but I am very blessed and it is an honour to take care of your parents while they are still here on earth.

“My father said that being the eldest daughter is a very important role for me to look after my parents and there is a Samoan saying that you can search anywhere in the world for blessings but nothing compares to you looking after your parents and grandparents.

“It is a very big job to handle but at the end of the day I always know to focus on the blessings.”

She said her strongest quality was her positivity. Her personal journey has been tough but according to her it all comes down to the mindset.

“In order for you to cope, in order for you to survive and handle whatever life throws at you is to God and He will always provide. I believed in that and now I am currently living in those blessings,” she said.

“The life that I have, the good people around me and for those who are always there as a shoulder to lean on and that is why I have a positive mindset.”