Island Rose Dream

Taking the dream from Tonga to Germany

Growing up in Tonga, Rosie Akauola-Fine was inspired by the women around her making Tongan oil from botanical plants and herbs in their own gardens. From that inspiration she created Tongan beauty and skincare products with a modern touch, all ethically sourced from the Kingdom of Tonga. Now based in Stuttgart, Germany, her business continues to support her homeland community, with partnerships with youth organisations and women’s groups in Tongan villages.

Rosie kept her full-time corporate job to fund the business rather than take out a loan, and stresses investing time and money in marketing and online platforms: “it gets the word out about your business, and it gives your business a voice.” Now in its seventh year, Island Rose Dream is a story of holding the vision and trusting the process.