Eighteen-year-old Ciara Radini Nayau Gabriella Ganilau Lee embodies a unique blend of creativity, intelligence, and cultural richness in all her endeavors. As the youngest contestant in this year’s Hibiscus Festival, she stands out, drawing admiration for her beauty, exceptional talents, and true dedication to social causes.
Sashed as Miss Moutai, Ciara’s journey is truly inspiring. Raised by her mother, Adi Koila Ganilau, in an environment where education was prioritized, she developed entrepreneurial skills by the age of 10. Together, they launched a clothing business from scratch, instilling in Ciara values of resilience, innovation, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit that continue to guide her.
Ciara’s artistic talent is equally remarkable. She began her journey at the Conservatorium of Music under the guidance of Master Lai Veikoso, where her passion for the arts flourished. By age 13, she was performing with the Mata Dance Company, later moving to the Moana Loa Dance Company and eventually joining the Oceania Dance Theatre at the University of the South Pacific. Under the direction of the esteemed choreographer Glenville Lord, she has excelled in dance, theatre, and modeling, quickly emerging as a rising star.
However, Ciara’s impact goes beyond the stage. At 14, her enthusiasm for social issues emerged as she became involved with the Haus of Koila and the Society of Sustainable Entrepreneurs (SOSE). One of her proudest moments occurred when she spent three weeks at Wainiyavi Primary School in Namosi, where she provided essential school supplies and immersed herself in village life, deepening her connection to her community and reinforcing her commitment to giving back.
A passionate advocate for pressing global issues, such as climate change and human trafficking, Ciara utilizes her dance and social media platforms to spread awareness. She has been acknowledged as one of Fiji’s prominent social media influencers through the Regional Pacific NDC Hub’s #SwipeUp4Change initiative, which encourages young climate advocates throughout the region. Her striking performance as Mili in the Butakoci Production highlighted the serious issue of human trafficking, showcasing her dedication to impactful causes.
Recently, Ciara was welcomed at Kokomo Island Resort in Kadavu for a trial as a Teens Attendant, where she surpassed expectations by enhancing guest experiences with tailored activities like hiking, turtle spotting, and night snorkeling with manta rays. This demonstrated her love for adventure and excellent hospitality skills.
Ciara’s journey is supported by her sponsor, Kweichow Moutai, a prominent Chinese liquor manufacturer known for its premium products and strong brand identity. As she competes for the title of Miss Hibiscus 2024, Ciara Lee distinguishes herself not only as a contestant but also as an ambassador of creativity, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
The Miss Hibiscus 2024 Festival will take place at the Suva Civic Foreshore and Suva Civic Centre from August 31st to September 7th, promising to be an unforgettable celebration, with FMF and Vodafone serving as the Gold sponsors.