DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH GINA LOHENI

While out walking, I came across this shop with an explosion of colours on display in their window. The shop is MENA at 266 Great North Road in Grey Lynn.

I asked Gina Loheni to tell us about her store?

MENA is a family owned fashion brand that celebrates the Pacific. We started this business in 2002 and celebrated 20 years last year. We have men’s fashion as well as women's.

Where did you get your interest in dress designing and use of colour from?

From our mother, Mena, whom our label is named after. A very talented seamstress, she started making clothes from the age of nine. She worked from home sewing for many of New Zealand's top fashion labels from the 70s to the 90s. Growing up, my sisters and I were always designing our own dresses that she would whip up for us. Years later we saw the opportunity to create a business that would satisfy our passion for contemporary, forward fashion and that also reflected our love of our Polynesian heritage.

Your fashions are collections of vibrant colours and shades, how much does colour influence the fashion look? Our colourful brand is a reflection of the vibrant Pacific. We design all our prints from tropical florals to traditional elei prints.

What do you like best about Ponsonby?

All the cafes, bars and restaurants.

What was your childhood like?

It was great. Growing up as a kid in the eighties, life was so much simpler, but fun without all the bells and whistles that our kids now have.

Who do you consider to be the most annoying celebrity?

Any celebrity that denies having plastic surgery when it’s very obvious.

What would be your dream holiday?

Anywhere warm…The Maldives would be nice.

What is on your bucket list?

Take a year off to travel.

The most Kiwi thing about you?

My accent and my passport.

What other job would you like?

Shoe designer – I like shoes!

What do you love most about your age? Self acceptance.

What is something you really disapprove of? Bullying.

You biggest disappointment?

Closing our store in Samoa five years ago as we eventually all moved back to Auckland.

What really motivates you? My children.

Give your teenaged self some advice?

Have faith in your abilities, you are capable of much more than you think.

Which item of clothing can't you live without?

My MENA kimono. You can wear it over anything, just throw on and you’re ready to go.

Is there a movie that has inspired you?

‘The Pursuit of Happiness’ which is based on a true story of determination and never giving up.

Tell us something very few people know about you? When I was 21, I was the IT Manager for an engineering firm.

Who is your favourite hero of fiction?

Wonder Woman because she's a woman. There weren't many female superheroes when I was growing up.

Which talent would you most like to have?

A great singing voice.

What cliché do you most hate? Not a fan of the term ‘Influencer’.

What gizmo can you simply not live without? My phone – I do use it a lot for work.

What would be your greatest weakness? A good chocolate brownie.

Are you a handshake or a hug kind of person? Usually a hug unless it’s someone I’ve met for the first time.

What is your comfort food?

My mum's chop suey with fa’alifu talo (taro cooked in coconut cream).

Do you like an aisle or window seat on a plane? Always an aisle seat.

How do you chill out? Reading and walking.

Your most treasured possession? Photos. They help me to remember the good times I might otherwise forget!

If they were to make a movie about your life, who would you like to play you? Nia Long.

If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be?

The wealthy to pay their fair share of tax. It's reported New Zealand's multi-millionaires pay a lower tax rate than supermarket cashiers. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)  PN www.menashop.com