FROM modelling to designing her very own handbags there is nothing in this world to stop her from doing what she loved the most. Simply put, that is to keep in tune with what people love and want and to act on it.
Marla Singh Walton, one of the first Fijian of Indian descent models to land a lucrative contract for Revlon, made her mark on the international fashion scene few years ago and with her husband has since gone on to establish her own accessories brand — Marlafiji.
Marlafiji is an online business which sells handbags varying in sizes, colours and designs.
Mrs Walton said during her career as an international model, she met and learned from some of the industry’s top fashion players who inspired her to create her own luxury line of affordable leather handbags.
“I have always had this thirst for beautiful handbags, even more than shoes, so it seemed like a no-brainer when I decided to launch my own brand of handbags.
“Fiji has always remained close to my heart and I wanted to incorporate my birthplace as part of my brand,” she said.”
Mrs Walton said the handbags were named after friends and family and those who had an influence on her life.
She says there is always so much to do and, like life, people should never stop learning so there are always new ranges to work on.
“We have a few customers that have over 40 Marlafiji bags in four years. It is always a great feeling and blessing when you hear or receive an email from a customer saying how much they love their bag. We do have a following now, so you really have to do your best as the old saying goes ‘you’re only as good as your last song’.”
She’s always stuck to the basics, which for her is classical with a contemporary twist, saying it has never let her down.
Mrs Walton said business had been very challenging for the past few years in terms of competition and advertising.
“Well, I see the world has changed so much even in the last five years. There is so much out there you really do have to be on top on your game, you really have to offer the whole package.
“You have to be service-oriented, offering fine quality and be price driven. Because our product is produced in Italy, you would expect it to be so expensive.
“And as there are so many designers who manufacture in other countries, you would expect their products to cost much less, however this is not the case at all as we are very competitive with them.”
Mrs Walton said for the moment, her focus was on handbags but also had plans to design other products.
“I hope I can keep coming back to this beautiful place that is never too far from my heart hence why I called it Marlafiji Made in Italy, I was made in Fiji and the bags are made in Italy,” she added.
