It was truly an incredible honour to receive the Business in Excellence Award in Creative Arts at the 2025 Pacific Business Trust Awards held in October. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Pacific Business Trust for recognizing and celebrating Pacific businesses across New Zealand, especially during such a challenging economic climate. Despite the economic hardships that have tested us all, it is inspiring to see efforts like these continue to shine a spotlight on our vibrant community. A special thank you also goes to Sunpix for sponsoring the Creative Arts category, whose support helps elevate and uplift our creative industry.

Congratulations to all the finalists in the creative arts category, including Fejoint Productions Ltd and Taupou Tatau Ltd, as well as to all the finalists and winners who participated in the night. Your talent and dedication are truly commendable.

Reflecting on the journey to this award, I initially planned to attend the ceremony alone, partly because I was surprised to have been named a finalist and partly because I honestly didn’t expect to win given the difficulties faced throughout the year. However, upon reflection, I realized that despite these struggles, I still managed to find ways to rise above the uncertainty and keep moving forward. This recognition serves as a reminder that perseverance pays off, even in the toughest of times.

I am deeply grateful for all acknowledgments and accolades, as they provide a much-needed breather and renewed energy to continue creating and pushing boundaries. I want to thank everyone who has supported my initiatives—Nora Swann Styling, the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show, and Dressed in Confidence—as well as my biggest supporters, my husband and two daughters. Their unwavering encouragement has been invaluable.

Lastly, I dedicated this award to my beloved dog Jeffy, who passed away two weeks before the awards night. He was a cherished part of my life and journey, and this achievement is also a tribute to his memory.