Devnie Bani Ryves – Sista Gat Style

Mar 11, 2020 | Sista Gat Style | 0

“My biggest goal is to make an income while making an impact.”

Entrepreneur Devnie started making her own hair products after she struggled to find suitable products for own hair. Turning her passion into a product, Devnie is now the proud owner of Aelan Curls, a handmade natural hair product that is perfect for aelan girls! Devnie believes that every woman and girl should embrace their natural beauty and use fashion as a way to express yourself. “Comparison is the thief of joy, work with what you have, and truly embrace it,” she says.

#AelanCurlsForAelanGirls #NaturalHair #AelanGoddess #NiVanuatuQueen #MarleysMama #LifeIsALearningExperience

Name:

Devnie Bani Ryves

Age:

Tell us about your family:

I come from a family of five children, three girls and two boys. I also have a husband and a daughter who is three years old.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Having a little girl means that everything that I do, needs to entertain her as well. We like to enjoy nature, it doesn’t matter if it’s the ocean, river, and forest or just at home gardening, it’s always nice to connect with nature and it’s definitely an energizer for me.

Do you have any hobbies?

It’s hard to have a hobby when you are a mum – everything you do revolves around your child! But before I had my daughter, I picked up a hobby that later became my business. I spent some years researching and creating homemade products for my own hair. I later turned this passion into a business platform that showcases natural hair products, D.I.Y.s and information that helps Ni-Van girls who are looking of natural alternatives to look after their hair as well as embracing their natural beauty.

I highly encourage everyone to use the free information that’s out there to educate themselves and use it to their advantage!

What do you study? Do you work?

At the moment I am studying a Certificate Three in small businesses/management at USP. I got into the course with the help of Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV). They were recruiting entrepreneurs for this particular program called ‘Ready for Business’ and I applied. The program really gave me insight into the business world and its possibilities. I highly recommend YCV for any Ni-Vanuatu who is ready to venture into business. I also work from home running Aelan Curls, and do it at my own pace and time. I love being my own boss, it’s an achievement that I’m proud to call my own.

What do you aspire to do in the future?

My future goals would be to expand Aelan Curls product range and showcase our products in the local retail shops as well as the tourist markets. I am striving to grow Aelan Curls into a business that will be able to employ Ni-Vanuatu.

As an individual I aspire to add to the ripple effect of women in business in this country, by gaining knowledge that will not only help me but also other Ni-Vanuatu women. In short – my biggest goal is to make an income while making an impact.

What is a quote that you live by?

I actually love so many quotes that its hard to pick just one, but here is a quote that I try to practice daily:

“When you create a difference in someone’s life, you not only impact their life, you impact everyone influenced by them throughout their entire lifetime. No act is ever too small. One by one, this is how you make an ocean rise.”

Quotes that stay with me usually stem from the progression of equal rights for women and people of colour. I also love spiritual quotes that inspire me to become a better version of myself for myself and for the people around me.

How would you describe your style? Why do you like fashion?

I don’t really have a style but I do find like-minded people through my social media accounts, many of which have a dress style similar to myself. Their use of colour, pattern and style inspires me, and then I go to second hand shops to look for similar styles that I can mix and match. Fashion for me is another way that individuals can express themselves – I feel strongly that this needs to be respected.

Any fashion tips?

I don’t know if I am the best person to ask for fashion tips. I personally just wear what is functional and what makes me feel good. If I were going to suggest anything, I would say that if you see something that feels right for you, wear it and be yourself. Comparison is the thief of joy, work with what you have, and truly embrace it.

What’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to face?

I’ve had my fair share of challenges through relationships, marriage and the passing of friends and loved ones. All of these things can be very difficult and I have found that most things that are worthwhile in life take work and dedication. Life is a learning experience! If you think you know everything then you have stunted your ability to grow and closed your eyes to possibility.

What does being a woman mean to you?

Everything! Women are strong – globally, through out history, we have been held down and persecuted, and we have been told that we are less…. Yet we stand strong and we rise up through the obstacles – now is an exciting time to be a woman! Social media has women uplifting each other and banding together to make change.

For me comparing the sexes and making a judgment on who is the best is pointless. Men and women are both strong in their own ways and life needs both energies to make a full circle. The man can create a part of new life, but cannot hold and nurture that life until it is ready to be born into this world. As women we are very fortunate to be able to have this experience. It is a mental, physical and spiritual opportunity that a man can never experience first hand and only by being there every step of the way can a man feel even the smallest part of this miracle!

You can find Aelan Curls on Facebook.

Location: Ifira Point

Photographer: Nicky Kuautonga

Hair, makeup and beauty: Lotus Day Spa and Cafe

Assistant: Elisa Mondou

This article was originally published in the March edition of the Vanuatu Daily Post Life and Style magazine.

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Devnie Bani Ryves – Sista Gat Style

“My biggest goal is to make an income while making an impact.”

#AelanCurlsForAelanGirls #NaturalHair #AelanGoddess #NiVanuatuQueen #MarleysMama #LifeIsALearningExperience

Name:

Age:

Tell us about your family:

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Do you have any hobbies?

What do you study? Do you work?

What do you aspire to do in the future?

What is a quote that you live by?

How would you describe your style? Why do you like fashion?

Any fashion tips?

What’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to face?

What does being a woman mean to you?

Leave a reply Cancel reply

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Merilyn Tahi awarded Commonwealth Point of Light 40

Devnie Bani Ryves – Sista Gat Style

“My biggest goal is to make an income while making an impact.”

#AelanCurlsForAelanGirls #NaturalHair #AelanGoddess #NiVanuatuQueen #MarleysMama #LifeIsALearningExperience

Name:

Age:

Tell us about your family:

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Do you have any hobbies?

What do you study? Do you work?

What do you aspire to do in the future?

What is a quote that you live by?

How would you describe your style? Why do you like fashion?

Any fashion tips?

What’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to face?

What does being a woman mean to you?

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Merilyn Tahi awarded Commonwealth Point of Light 40