Margret Gutugutuwai Toga and the World Supermodel Pageant

“Wow, you’re really pretty for a Fijian.” Margret can’t say how many times she’s rolled her eyes and tried to correct this negative stereotype. She hopes that by competing in the upcoming World Supermodel Pageant, she’ll be given a platform to challenge it and prove that she’s more than just a beauty queen. Before all else, she says she is a mother, wife, Law and Business student, and that it’s what’s within her – and every other Fijian woman – that makes us beautiful. Today she shares her story, hopes and dreams – from a rebellious teen to an ambitious mother, she also speaks on how her Fathers life – and death – has shaped her into the woman she is today.

Tell us about yourself – who you are, where you’re from and what you’re most passionate about?

Bula Vina’a and Cola Vina! My name is Margret Lani Koroi Gutugutuwai Toga, I am 25 and full Fijian. I’m a proud mother to two beautiful children, I’m outspoken and have a passion for the type of wisdom that pushes my intellect and mindset to become someone better. I’m currently studying a double degree in Business and Law – it is challenging, but the way I see it – it’s all a part of owning the choices I make to become the best person I want to be. I believe my passion is to see people reach their ultimate potential, even when they can’t see it themselves – to help people win and be the best version of themselves.

My late father is a former world rugby flanker and Fiji 7’s great, Ratu Asesela Gutugutuwai who’s from Nakasaleka, Kadavu. My mother is Maraya Baleikasavu Gutugutuwai from Somosomo,Taveuni. I’m the eldest of five and happily married to the love of my life Maika Toga from Sabeto in Nadi. We have 2 beautiful children, Sela Jnr and Lucy Rhema.

I’m so blessed to be reaping the rewards of my parent’s hard work and determination in coming to Australia to seek a better life. Being born in Australia, I know I have so many opportunities at my fingertips and that fuels my passion to push forward in life.

My father was a humble and disciplined man who encouraged my siblings and I to ‘win and be the best you can be‘. My mother continually does her best to instil wisdom in us, and surrounds us with valuable teachings from people such as Myles Munroe, Zig Ziglar and John Maxwell.

Witnessing the hard work my parents went through to build the life we have (which at times we take for granted), pushes me harder. I’m always thinking of my family and about the sacrifices my parents made for me to be in the position I’m in today.

How did your passion lead you to the path you’re on now?

Being able to network easily and remaining open to any opportunity in front of me has opened so many doors. I now understand that it is a good thing to take risks. At times people shy away and are complacent in their daily life but it’s not until we step out into something bigger than ourselves – that’s when we can really grow as a person.

Today I happily call myself a mother, wife, model, Law and Business student and a World Super Model South Pacific Regional Finalist.  If my parents didn’t invest and instil courage and wisdom in me, and if I didn’t have the favour of the Lord over my life, I know that all of this wouldn’t be possible.

Can you tell us more about this pageant and why it’s so important?

The World Supermodel Pageant – South Pacific Regional Finals will be held in Fiji at the Pearl South Pacific Resort from Jan 21st-24th. The winner from this event will be flown to South Africa with all expenses paid, to represent the South Pacific Region. The winner will compete in the International Finals held in Bloemfontein, South Africa, against 40 international finalists from around the globe. The winner of the International Finals will win a 1 year contract in New York City with Trump Model Management.

This pageant is important to me because it continues to help me strive for something great, meet new people, and travel. I also hope to show other mothers and women that your life doesn’t stop once you have children or once you get married. It is all up to you –  your own mindset and perspective makes up what you believe is acceptable. You can make your own normal! Women today have so much influence in the corporate and fashion world and that is something I admire. If they can do it, we all can too. We are born for greatness!

What have been the most challenging experiences in your journey so far? Is there anything you would do differently?

Throughout my teen years I rebelled, and just like the prodigal son I eventually returned home. As a young person it was so easy for me to forget about my family unit and my upbringing. I became so self-absorbed in what I wanted, and I had a real “here and now” mentality. Since then, I’ve grown and those experiences have given me a level of understanding and depth that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

I’ve also learnt that what the older generation have imparted by telling us the difference between what is right and wrong is taken for granted so much. Their age is not only in maturity but also in wisdom because they’ve experienced negative situations firsthand that they wouldn’t want us to go through. Now I completely understand the concept of respecting your elders.

Another trial that stands out in my memory is when I was heavily pregnant and trying to care for my father whilst he went through intensive chemotherapy and cancer treatments. At my father’s biggest moments of need, I wasn’t even allowed to even be in the same room as him.

It was such a huge test on my strength, and it continued until he realised he was coming close to his last day with us. He apologised and told me he was sorry that he wouldn’t be able to meet my (now one year old) baby Lucy. Even in his state of deteriorating health, he told me to “be the best you can be, humble yourself and put the Lord your God first and foremost.”

That week I buried my father, and it wasn’t long before I gave birth to my daughter Lucy. From then on, my siblings and I realised how blessed we really are. Rest in Peace Ratu Asesela Gutugutuwai (22/06/1958).

Do you feel that you challenge the Pacific stereotype? How?

Growing up as a Fijian in Australia I was frequently told ‘Wow, you’re pretty for a Fijian’. Dwelling on this thought helped me understand why there’s a stereotype of Fijian women not being beautiful. This mindset is idiotic. All Pacific women are beautiful in their own unique way. The only way to combat this is to avoid putting our Pacific brothers and sisters down with a stereotypical mindset but to exemplify the unique qualities each person holds.

What advice do you have for young Pacific people who might be thinking of supporting the project and this event?

It’s a great opportunity for us to support young women who are pursuing their dreams. For us who are competing, it’s a great platform to voice our opinions, advocate for our beliefs, share our talents and show real faces that represent the South Pacific.

For young Pacific people in general – remember to always be good to people. It doesn’t matter what nationality, colour, creed or religion. All people come into your life for a reason, and it’s up to you to seize the opportunity to network and create friendships. Support your heritage and cultural background – it’s our life-blood and if we forget our roots, it may end with us.

A huge thank you to Margret for sharing her story! We’re so excited by the endless possibilities her future holds, and we’ll be joining her family and friends in cheering her on in the upcoming World Supermodel Pageant – South Pacific Regional Finals in Fiji on 21 – 24 January 2016.

Photography by MissTez Creatives.