Jannike Seiuli

Founder of the legendary PACIFIC RUNWAY and the trailblazing PAC Gala

Photo by Shalamah Tautaiolefue at PAC Gala 2022

Q&A

1. What is taking centre stage in your mind right now? 
How can I build on PAC GALA for 2026.
 
2. What’s the first thing you do after waking up in the morning? 

Pray and read. I like to start my day on a spiritual note. 

3. Is what you’re doing now what you have always wanted to do?
100% It actually feels like a dream sometimes. Hosting big events has been something I’ve wanted to do since my teens. 

 
4. What’s something that takes up way too much of your time? 
Social Media. 
I know it’s needed for business, but I like when I’m off the grid, it gives me time to think and really focus on what matters most in my life. 
 
5. Speaking of which…

FB: @pacificrunway

6. Time travel: when, where and why?
World of colours show at California Adventure Park, Anaheim. 

A happy moment that has been a snapshot in my mind. 
Seeing the smiles on my childrens faces as the sky lit up and it felt like time stood still in this magical moment for our family. 

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7. What are you most grateful for?
Friendship.

8. What colour would you use to describe yourself?
Any Pastel colour.
I’m not a loud outgoing person in general and I feel pastels represent me.

9. Name a person that had an impact on you and why.
One of my best friends, Flo. The way she lived her life and even until the very end, she showed kindness, love and patience. 

When she passed, my life changed, I changed. 

She has impacted every decision I have made in the past year. I see life in a different light and I want to do things intentionally and not waste time on things that don’t matter. 

10. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done (so far)?
Run a fashion show that hosts up to 1,000 guests. This still blows my mind.

 
11. What’s your idea of a perfect holiday? 
A week full of adventure. I prefer to sightsee than to relax on the beach.
 
12. Do you have tattoos? What do they represent?
All my tattoos have a meaning.
– My family surname.
– Loved ones names.
– Maori fish hook – In honour of my Papa who was a fisherman. I had this done in Auckland, NZ.
– Dream in Japanese. I had this done on New Year’s Day. This was during a really hard time and I knew that I wanted to continue to pursue my dreams. This was a reminder for me. Japan has always been a special place for our family to visit. 
– Samoan tattoo with the moon. KA MAHINA (Hawaiian translation – Goddess of the Moon).

I had this done at the end of the Pacific Runway era, representing the journey of the runway and how it helped me to find my own identity and feeling comfortable in my Samoan culture. I knew I wanted a female tattooist for this piece, so while speaking at an event in Brisbane, I went to see tattooist / family member Denzel Akuai.

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 13. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? 

Time. We don’t realise how precious this is until it’s gone. 

14. What do you wish someone would ask you?
Are you ok? I think sometimes people think I am strong 24/7 and at times I just need people to check in on me too. 

15. What would you do with a million dollars?
I have no idea. 

Probably set up my own centre for creatives that need a space to write, film, dance, record songs etc. 

This was a dream of mine as a teen too. 

16. What is your style signature/ your favourite look?
I prefer dress pants over dresses. If I’m in a dress, I prefer a Halter neck top.

17. What is a favourite book? 
I don’t actually have a favourite book. 

I love reading new ones because I’m always keen to learn about one’s journey. Biographies are probably my go to. 

18. What do you want to be remembered for?
Just being me and not the director or founder of something. I love to meet people face to face so they can speak to me as a person. 

I hope that through the events that I host, people will remember how that event made them feel. That’s what makes me happy. 

19. How did you meet your husband and how did you know he was the one?
Mona* and I met in high school. It’s the running joke that the best was saved for last because I met all his friends before him. We went through one particular challenge during high school and at that moment I knew he’d be my husband. 

20. THREE things you love about yourself.
My strength, smile and heart for others.
 

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