As Leata Ma'ilo looks back at the struggles she endured to start her own business, she is glad that she never gave up and kept on moving forward despite the hardships.

She is the proprietor of Le Ata, a fashion shop on Beach Road in Apia. It is now a local fashion brand developing over time.

Leata Ma'ilo is now 41, and a mother of two. She said he mother was also named Leata and that is the name behind the store.

She said it was in 2007 when she decided to start a business. She was unemployed and after much thought she decided that she wanted to be financially independent.

Tears streamed down her face as she described the start of her business, bringing up a lot of memories.

She returned from New Zealand having given birth to her first son. She said he was still an infant when she made up her mind to return home.

She said she never took to life in New Zealand. As she looks back, it was a decision she never regretted.

“I was struggling at the time because I was living in a place distant from home and I missed it, and our family in Samoa depended on us abroad for support," Leata said.

"All I did in New Zealand was make items, take pictures of them, and post them online for sale because Trade Me was also released at that time as a new selling software. That's how I started the company." 

In the beginning, there were more losses than profits but Leata's resilient nature meant not giving up. She never let the hardships affect her children. 

Being the youngest of eight siblings, Leata is the one who is closest to her parents, particularly her father.

“Growing up, I always had a strong interest in fashion because I witnessed my mother's love of making things by hand and doing crafts," she said.

"The things that our people do and touch with our hands, in my opinion, give the greatest sensation of love to those who perform them. 

“I also teach my kids that whatever you do comes from the bottom of your heart and that you put all of your own energy into it.”

In addition, Le Ata has other locations in Tonga that have been operating for more than 10 years. Leata is hoping to reopen a branch in New Zealand as she was forced to close it because of the COVID pandemic.

At the Le Ata Fashion Store, there are 12 employees coming from different backgrounds.