Employment opportunities on the small island state of Nauru are limited. Agnes Mata Denuga always loved fashion and jewellery, and saw the potential to use Nauru’s natural resource, phosphate, to create a range of jewellery.
In 2009 inspired by the loss of her daughter Agnes put her passion into action and founded Panagiona Creations.
The name Panagiona is a tribute to her daughter who passed away Panagiota and her youngest daughter Henriona. Inspired by her daughter Panagiota, Agnes expanded her products to include memorial stones and pieces.
With a population of just over 10,000 Panagiona Creations market in Nauru is relatively small, leading Agnes to investigate how to expand her business through exporting. Last year, Agnes was one of 15 small business owners selected from over 200 applicants to participate in a Pacific pilot, ‘Australia Awards: Women Trading Globally’, organised by the Export Council of Australia in partnership with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australia Awards.
The 15 participants from across the Pacific Islands participated in a two-week residential course in Australia, undertook intensive international business training, and were exposed to Australian businesses and Australian business culture. Agnes said the program provided valuable experiences, such as articulating her business pitch, introducing her to new business planning models, and giving her an understanding of good exporting business practices.
This included the importance of having business agreements or simple contracts to ensure Panagiona Creations does not lose out if her customers do not complete payment. Agnes has put her training into practice.
She has more clarity about her business and has written a business plan to set out clearly her goals and how she intends to expand her business domestically and internationally.
‘I’m so thankful for the opportunity,’ she said.
‘I now know what I really want my business to achieve. I’m very excited and it was so great to meet and connect with other Pacific Island women entrepreneurs. As a group, we have stayed connected to support each other as we work towards our goals. I feel so much stronger knowing I have these women by my side. It was great to also be hosted by Pacific Trade Invest Australia and learn how they are helping Pacific Island exporters into the Australian market. The course has shown me how I can make my dreams a reality, and I hope to inspire other Nauruan women to become entrepreneurs.’
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Published February 2018
