In Loving Memory of Shelley

Carrying Shelley’s Legacy Forward

It is with deep love that we share the passing of our beautiful mum, Shelley - the heart and soul of Vaoala Vanilla.

Mum was a visionary farmer and leader who dedicated her life to uplifting communities across Samoa and the Pacific. She believed deeply that when women thrive, their families and villages thrive too, and she lived that belief every day.

Through Vaoala Vanilla, mum showed what was possible when local knowledge, global standards, and community spirit came together. What began as a small family venture grew under her guidance into a business that helped put Samoan vanilla on the world stage while staying true to Pacific values.

Under mum’s leadership, Vaoala Vanilla became a model of sustainable farming, opening doors for growers to earn an income, build confidence, and connect with international markets. She poured her energy into training and supporting local farmers so they could meet global standards with pride.

Mum loved sharing her passion through the popular vanilla farm tours she hosted. Those tours were a window into her heart, filled with her knowledge, laughter, and the joy she found in connecting with people. To everyone who joined her on a tour, thank you for sharing that special experience with her.

Vaoala Vanilla was always meant to be a family legacy for generations to come. Together with our dad, we are committed to carrying mum’s dream forward, holding her beans, sharing them online, and fulfilling her most recent project. Dad will lead this next chapter, partnering with a single village community to establish a vanilla farm, teach them how to grow vanilla, and create lasting skills and opportunity.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported mum by buying her products and continuing to do so. Your love, encouragement, and shared belief in her vision mean so much to us as we take these next steps as a family.

This was mum’s next chapter, and we are honoured to carry it forward together. Watch this space as we share how we are bringing her vision to life and continuing the incredible legacy she worked so hard to build.

With love,
Her Husband Lawrie & Children