Building a fashion label from scratch

Hilda Mondo shares her advice for aspiring designers

By Jernese Macanawai

“Did I make the right decision?” was a question Papua New Guinea-born fashion designer, Hilda Loii Mondo asked herself after launching her own label. Making clothes was just a hobby for Mondo, who emigrated to Fiji three years ago. In 2024, she decided to take a leap of faith.

Without any experience, Mondo embarked on a year-long journey to register her business, a process she says was only possible with the help of friends.

Her love for fashion goes back to Madang Province in Papua New Guinea, where she was born and raised.

It wasn’t until she moved to Suva with her family that she considered pursuing fashion. Fiji Fashion Week in 2024 gave Mondo her first opportunity to showcase her original heritage-inspired designs under the name, Kumari Imumu. She participated in multiple shows that year across Papua New Guinea, Australia, and in Nadi, where she caught the attention of Pacifique Artisans Collective co-creator, Shakira Ah Koy MacDonald. Ah Koy MacDonald approached Mondo about potentially selling her designs at the PAC shop at Suva Flea Market, which was established as a business incubator for new brands like Kumari Imumu.

Like many emerging designers, finding a home for her creations had been tricky.

“For small businesses like mine, it’s not easy getting our brands off the ground,” says Mondo.

“So I’m really thankful for Carolyn and Shakira Ah Koy MacDonald for allowing me to be able to sell my garments at their shop.

“It’s a big blessing.”

Mondo debuted a collection at their Makete Fashion Show in October last year.

Starting the business

It wasn’t until Mondo started processing orders that it became clear how important it was for her to set up the business legally. 

The main challenge so far has been formally registering her business as a foreigner and meeting all the requirements expected of a foreign investor, including a minimum FJ$300,000 in capital.

Even at the time of our interview in November last year, Mondo revealed that she was still trying to “open a business bank account”.

It’s difficult, but not impossible, she says.

“I would advise people to seek the assistance of places like Investment Fiji and the Registrar of Companies (ROC) to get the information they need as an entrepreneur.

“Talk to them, and if you need to register your business, go ahead, which really shouldn’t be a problem for Fijians.”

The businessNOW Fiji e-services, an initiative of the Fiji Government, provides step-by-step instructions for starting a business in Fiji, including registering a business name, registering for tax purposes and securing compliance certificates.

These procedures can be done online via the digital Fiji portal or in person at the ROC Office in Suva.

Starting a business as a foreign citizen can be overwhelming, but there are ways to make the process less stressful. One option is to team up with a local business partner who can provide advice and support, which Mondo says she could not recommend more highly to foreigners who may be apprehensive about setting up a legal entity on their own.

“I would suggest they do their research and consider partnering with an investor who believes in them.”

In her first year as a designer, Mondo could not have asked for a better outcome – multiple fashion show appearances, workshops, mentoring by industry leaders, and a growing business.

Behind the scenes, however, she has been battling some personal issues, a challenge she has embraced, and insists others can too.

Connecting with the right people is key, she says.

“I’m thankful that I have very good friends in the industry who are there to help and encourage me as I go.

“It’s amazing how people have gone out of their way to help whenever I’m in need.”

Ultimately, success, whether in fashion or something else entirely, comes down to work ethic and self-belief, she adds.

“If you’re determined to do something, go out there and work hard for it, and you’ll definitely achieve it.

“Nothing is impossible if you put your mind and heart to it.”