Eighteen-year-old Ciara Radini Nayau Gabriella Ganilau Lee represents a unique blend of creativity, intelligence, and diverse cultural heritage in all her endeavors. As the youngest contestant in this year’s Hibiscus Festival, she stands out not only for her beauty but also for her remarkable talents and heartfelt dedication to social causes.
Sashed as Miss Moutai, Ciara’s inspiring journey began in a nurturing environment guided by her mother, Adi Koila Ganilau. Growing up in a household that prioritized education, she started learning about entrepreneurship by the age of ten. The family established a clothing business from scratch, instilling resilience, innovation, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit in her that continues to influence her today.
Ciara’s artistic talents are equally remarkable. She began her journey at the Conservatorium of Music under the mentorship of Master Lai Veikoso, where her passion for the arts flourished. By the time she was thirteen, she was performing with the Mata Dance Company before transitioning to the Moana Loa Dance Company, and eventually joining the Oceania Dance Theatre at the University of the South Pacific. Under the guidance of esteemed choreographer Glenville Lord, Ciara has excelled in dance, theatre, and modeling, rapidly emerging as a rising star.
However, Ciara’s impact extends far beyond performance arts. At the age of fourteen, she became involved in social issues through her work with the Haus of Koila and the Society of Sustainable Entrepreneurs (SOSE). One of her most meaningful experiences was spending three weeks at Wainiyavi Primary School in Namosi, where she provided essential school supplies and engaged with the local community, deepening her sense of connection and commitment to service.
An advocate for critical global issues such as climate change and human trafficking, Ciara effectively raises awareness through her dance performances and social media presence. She has garnered recognition as one of Fiji’s social media influencers through her involvement in the Regional Pacific NDC Hub’s #SwipeUp4Change initiative, which empowers young advocates for climate action across the region. Her impactful portrayal of Mili in the Butakoci Production highlighted the grave realities of human trafficking, demonstrating her commitment to meaningful social causes.
Recently, Ciara had the opportunity to apply for a role as a Teens Attendant at Kokomo Island Resort in Kadavu, where she exceeded expectations by enhancing guest experiences with personalized activities such as hiking, turtle spotting, and night snorkeling with manta rays, showcasing her adventurous spirit and passion for hospitality.
Ciara’s journey is further supported by her sponsor, Kweichow Moutai, a prominent Chinese liquor producer known for its exceptional quality and strong brand recognition. As she competes for the title of Miss Hibiscus 2024, she stands out as not just a contestant but as an ambassador of creativity, commitment, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
The Miss Hibiscus 2024 Festival is scheduled to take place at the Suva Civic Foreshore and Suva Civic Centre from August 31st to September 7th, promising to be an unforgettable event, with FMF and Vodafone serving as Gold sponsors.