The birth and growth of Vaoala Vanilla
Shelley Burich founded Vaoala Vanilla in 2016, building on a passion that began as a hobby in 2007. Her business is 100 per cent Samoan-owned and is committed to using organic, traditional farming methods high-quality vanilla products. Every aspect of the farm’s operations is guided by the principles of sustainability and love for the land, encapsulated in the business’s motto: “Grown by Nature… Nurtured with Love”.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shelley took the bold step of expanding Vaoala Vanilla beyond Samoa’s shores. By harnessing the power of digital platforms such as Shopify, as well as social media channels like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, she was able to reach international markets, even amid global lockdowns and border closures.
In addition to running her business, Shelley is dedicated to mentoring and training new vanilla growers in Samoa, helping them start their own vanilla farms with guidance and support. She is also a passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs in the Pacific, offering her expertise in online marketing and e-commerce to help them build their own online businesses. Her work as a Shopify Indigenous Partner and a Rise Global Facilitator for Samoa has made her a respected figure in the region’s entrepreneurial community.
Journey towards investment
In March 2023, Shelley reached out to PTI NZ for assistance in developing an investment proposal for Vaoala Vanilla. She recognised the need for expert guidance to explore investment options that would support the growth of her business and secure its future. PTI NZ responded quickly, assigning Investment Manager Rohan Parekh to the project. After a successful application process, Rohan and Shelley began working together through a series of virtual meetings and email exchanges, to explore the best investment options for Vaoala Vanilla.
To ensure the proposal was well-grounded in local context and aligned with Shelley’s business vision, PTI NZ also brought in Alice Niumata-Leota of Leota & Niumata Chartered Accountants in Apia. Alice’s deep understanding of the Samoan business environment and her expertise in crafting investment proposals made her an invaluable partner in this project.
Over the course of three months, the team worked tirelessly to refine the investment proposal and pitch deck. Through regular communication, they identified three potential investment options that would meet the current and future needs of Vaoala Vanilla.
Crafting the right investment options
PTI NZ worked with Vaoala Vanilla on various possibilities and formulated an investment structure that worked best for the business.
In April 2024, the residential property was successfully sold, and in the coming months, the vanilla vines will be acquired separately by a foreign investor from the United States of America. Under the new agreement, Shelley will continue her involvement as a consultant and mentor. She will focus on processing and exporting premium vanilla beans under the Vaoala Vanilla brand, allowing her to shift away from the cultivation aspect of the business.
Outcome and future prospects
The successful completion of this project highlights PTI NZ’s dedication to supporting Pacific businesses. The comprehensive investment proposal and pitch deck provided Shelley with a strong foundation to engage with potential investors, ultimately securing the investment needed to continue and expand her work.
Shelley expressed her sincere gratitude for the support and guidance provided by Rohan and the PTI NZ team. She said their understanding of her vision and business aspirations was crucial in navigating the complex investment landscape. The investment proposal not only met her expectations, but also exceeded them by opening doors to new opportunities for Vaoala Vanilla.
As Shelley continues to advocate for sustainable farming practices and the economic empowerment of women in the Pacific, the success of Vaoala Vanilla stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, strategic support, and a deep commitment to community values. PTI NZ’s role in this journey demonstrates its unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the Pacific region.
Looking ahead, Shelley is excited about the future of Vaoala Vanilla and the potential to leverage her Iwi connections, to build a robust vanilla industry in both Samoa and New Zealand. She remains deeply appreciative of the ongoing support from PTI NZ and looks forward to many more successful collaborations.
