Iliganoa Sapolu has owned one of Samoa’s pioneer fashion houses since November 1979. My Tiara’s Boutique is still here today and with almost 37 years of history, it is still one of Apia’s trendiest shops. Iliganoa came back to her homeland of Samoa in 1975 to visit from America where she had been living. Many admired her sense of style and she then came up with the idea that when she would return
and live in Samoa she will open up a dress shop and share all the latest trends she picked up while living in America. This dream came into fruition once she made the move in 1979. My Tiara’s Boutique was closed briefly in October of 1999 and then reopened January 2000 after the passing of her daughter, Tiara. My Tiara’s Boutique was a hobby for Iliganoa, but is now a symbol of her daughter’s legacy for her name to live on. Iliganoa says she will never close again as it is an everyday reminder of the love of her life, Tiara. What had first started off as a humble little shop in Apia, has now grown into a business complex located in Matautu-Tai on Iliganoa’s family land. My Tiara’s boutique has been providing Samoa with the best quality material, clothes, shoes, home décor and more from America since its establishment. Iliganoa herself handpicks all products as she says she knows what her customers want. My Tiara’s Boutique caters for all sizes, big or small. Women’s clothing range from Size 10-26, Men’s Size L - 4XL, as well as a small selection of children’s ware. There are a variety of women’s shoes from Sizes 8-13 as well as costume jewelry, designer Coach handbags, beauty products and a beautiful selection of materials ranging from satin, stretch, chiffon, organza or silk. There are also a great selection of home décor and necessities such as towels, bed sheets and comforters for Twin Size, King or Queen Size, and furniture. If any alterations are needed, there is also a sewing shop within the boutique known as Stitch and Zip, where customer’s can quickly alter their pieces convenient and quick. After purchasing material from My Tiara’s Boutique, Stitch and Zip can design your preference of style whether it is a dress, puletasi or a beautiful chiffon top. There has also been a newly added massage parlor for a brief relaxation of shopping where you can enjoy a massage, manicure or pedicure in this tranquil environment. Daphne’s Restaurant is also just next door and is another one of Iliganoa’s original businesses that has been around for 29 years. Daphne’s Restaurant today
What had first started off as a humble little shop in Apia, has now grown into a business complex located in Matautu-Tai on Iliganoa’s family land. In 1987, My Tiara’s Boutique and Daphne’s Restaurant became a conjoint business venture for Iliganoa that has continued to live on today. Daphne’s was an idea discussed amongst Iliganoa and friends, Tina and Bonnie Hellesoe that she decided to pursue. Since 1987, Daphne’s Restaurant has been feeding Apia with homemade big-portioned meals and bottomless coffee. Iliganoa believes that no one should go home hungry after leaving her shop and that the bottomless coffee was an idea she has continued to do all these years as she hated going for coffee and having to pay for refills. So for only $4 you can drink as much coffee as you can at Daphne’s while enjoying one of their popular signature omelets. They are also well known for their lunch selections as well as their signature vaikipolo (lemonade). Try their tasty lamb chops, salmon steak, chicken and the popular double decker club sandwich that has been named “the best in town”. For 29 years Iliganoa has supported small local businesses where she orders scones, muffins, and cakes daily to serve to her customers as well as purchasing all her produce from local markets. Meals are priced from $5- $35. Iliganoa says she has been working 6 days a week since 1979 opening her shop at 7 am everyday. It has been a family owned and operated business with great support from her sisters Averill Frost and Rita Keil as well as great thanks to her faithful customers who are also some of her greatest friends for the support throughout the years. So pop in and say “Hi Mama” and enjoy a bottomless coffee, or delicious hamburger. Buy the perfect outfit for your night out or even sew one. Even relax and spoil and pamper yourself, whatever you decide it can all be found at Matautu-Tai behind the old squash centre. Hours are 7 AM - 5 PM, Mon- Fri and 7 AM - 3 PM Saturday. Phone: 22400/ 30116
