“Honesty is the best policy.”
Well known throughout Vanuatu as ‘Alice Seaweed’ or ‘Alice Tank’ because of her innovative work in the community, Alice Athy is a woman who is as driven as she is beautiful. A self-made woman and a seaweed entrepreneur, she is very creative in making not only skin and hair care products but food products as well – all from seaweed! Outspoken, loud and a lover of life, Alice values honesty above all else and loves to help others.
#SeaweedQueen #AelanGoddess #MelanesianQueen #ThisIsWhatAnEntrepreneurLookLike #WomanVanuatu
Name:
Alice Athy
Age:
53
Where are you from?
Emau, Efate.
Tell us about your family?
I grew up in a family of 8, I have 5 brothers. My father believed in the value of education and self-reliance. He made sure every single one of us were educated.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies?
I love to cook and share it with neighbors and friends, it gives me much joy to see people enjoying something that I have made.
Do you work?
I work for myself. I make hair, skin and edible products (Asher, Salads etc.) using seaweed.
What do you aspire to do in the future?
To expand my seaweed business, I’d like to open a restaurant one day where I can serve people good food complimented with my seaweed recipes. I would also like to sell my hair and skin products at the counter as well, killing two birds with one stone!
What is a quote that you live by?
“Honesty is the best policy”.
How would you describe your style? Why do you like fashion?
I would describe my style as ‘beautiful and respectful’ at the same time. I like fashion because it is a way of loving yourself by dressing yourself in a way that makes you feel good about yourself.
Who influences your style?
My mother. She always looked beautiful and respectful.
What beauty products do you use (including perfume)? Any fashion tips?
Perfume wise, I love ‘Diamonds & Emeralds by Elizabeth Taylor. I use ‘Seaweed Queen’ oil on my skin and Seaweed Gel on my hair, both products I made from Seaweed.
What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
Loud, energetic and honest.
What’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to face?
Becoming a single mother.
What is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?
I would tell myself that there are so many opportunities out there to make your own business. You CAN be financially independent, everything is already in front of you, Grab it while you can!
What is one thing that you love about yourself?
I love that I take joy in helping other people. I have always been like that and I think we all should be like that. We should all help each other, always.
Assistant: Umi Nompavos
Photographer: Nicky Kuautonga
This article was originally published in the Vanuatu Daily Post’s August 2021 Life and Style magazine edition.