Why Vietnam? Why Now?

This year has been… a lot. Selling our family house of 26-years, buying a house, moving home, travelling a lot for work; and a couple of weddings were cancelled—ouch. Not any fault of our own, but still, it stings every time.

Add in a sprinkle of self-doubt, a dash of “what am I even doing with my life?” (even though I know I am actually so amazing at events and weddings), and voilà: the perfect recipe for a quarter-life (okay, maybe almost mid-life) crisis. But here’s the thing: Challenges have a funny way of forcing you to level up.

 

Photo Credit: Le Roex Media | Location: Taumeasina Island Resort, Samoa

In my case, they opened the door to something extraordinary—a prestigious 8-week Entrepreneurship & Communities Internship in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It’s backed by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation and Education New Zealand’s Prime Minister’s Scholarship and brings together 15 fierce Pacific-Aotearoa wāhine entrepreneurs. And I’m proud to tell you, this is the first all-female, all-Pacific cohort to successfully receive the Prime Minister’s Scholarship. Ever. I love the idea of being a pioneer and I am all about the empowerment of women!

When the opportunity came knocking, I thought, Am I good enough for this? And then I thought, Stuff it—let’s go. Guess what? I was successful. And I didn’t just tiptoe through that door—I cartwheeled through it yelling, “Cheehoo! 685 represent!”

 

Photo Credit: Le Roex Media | Location: Taumeasina Island Resort, Samoa 

Why This Feels So Huge

If you know me, you know I love to push boundaries (ask anyone who’s ever tried to tell me “that’s not possible”). But this isn’t just about me being a go-getter; this is about showing up for my family, my kids, and my community.

I have an amazing 19-year-old son and a gorgeous 4-year-old daughter, both watching me closely. When I chase my dreams, I’m showing them how to chase theirs. I’m teaching them that fear is just a sign you’re about to do something amazing.

And let’s be honest—life as an entrepreneur and a mum isn’t exactly glamorous. Sometimes it’s weddings at luxury resorts; other times, it’s yelling at my boy to stop teasing his little sister while I try to get some work done in a certain timeframe (in his defence, he says he’s teaching her resilience—bruh). But through it all, my mantra has been the same: Greatness never comes from comfort zones.

This entrepreneurship and communities internship is my way of proving that to myself, my children, and anyone else who needs a reminder that they’re capable of extraordinary things. 

 

What I Hope to Find in Vietnam

I’ll be honest—I’m nervous. Eight weeks away from my family is HUGE. (It's probably the scariest thing I've done in a long time!) For Pacific women, family isn’t just a part of our lives—it’s at the centre of everything we are. We support, serve, and uplift our loved ones. Missing a single moment with them feels like missing a piece of yourself.

This isn’t just about being away; it’s about the moments I can never get back. I’ll miss Christmas morning with my children, the joy of New Year celebrations with my family, and two of my little brothers’ birthdays. These are the times when we laugh until we cry, when we sit around the table sharing stories, and when we create memories that become part of who we are.

The thought of not being there for those moments has already brought me to tears more times than I can count. And if you know me, I’m not really a crier! Lol. Still, I know in my heart that growth requires discomfort. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone not because it’s easy, but because I believe this experience will shape me into the best version of myself—for my family, my children, and my community.

In Vietnam, I hope to find more than just business insights. I hope to find inspiration, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. I want to come back with new ideas and perspectives to pour back into my family and the work I love. And yes—I’ll definitely eat my weight in pho and bánh mí. Best believe I am about to return with a list of Vietnam must-do’s and foodie recommendations, so hit me up if Vietnam is on the horizon for you!

 

 

The Journey So Far...

Starting my wedding planning business, Wedding She Wrote, felt like leaping off a cliff and trusting I’d figure out how to fly. There were no blueprints to follow, and it wasn’t always smooth—there were hard lessons, sleepless nights, and naturally a few meltdowns.

But I built something I’m proud of—a company that helps couples celebrate love, culture, and connection. I’ve planned cliffside ceremonies overlooking pristine waters, lush countryside receptions, and beachfront weddings that take your breath away. I’ve created employment opportunities, not only for myself, but for others in my communities too! And through it all, I’ve grown—not just as a business owner but as a person, as a woman.

Still, there’s always that voice in my head whispering, What’s next? Well, this internship is next. It’s about stepping out of my comfort zone, learning from a culture that’s rich, beautiful, and resilient, and coming back stronger, smarter, and ready to tackle the next chapter of my journey. (I’m so excited for our current and future wedding planning clients!)
 

 

A Note to You (Yes, YOU)

I’m sharing all this because I want you to know that it’s okay to doubt yourself. It’s okay to feel scared. But don’t let that stop you. Because on the other side of fear is everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

So, to anyone out there feeling stuck or small or not enough: You are more than enough. Chase your dreams, even when they feel impossible. Especially then.

And if you need a reminder that it’s never too late to bet on yourself, look at me—a mum, a creative entrepreneur, a proud Samoan-Cook Island-Croatian wāhine, representing Otara, South Auckland, New Zealand & the Pacific Islands—about to take on Vietnam.  If I can do it, sis, so can you.

Period. ❤️