Meet Emily Vulaca | Scientist | Dancer | Model | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Vulaca and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Working in the medical field for 12 years has been rewarding, but I wanted to pursue something that also allowed me to sharpen my artistic/creative ability and direct artistic expression. Dance, as in many cultures, is one of the major pillars of my Fijian culture. It is how we tell our stories and record historical and cultural ideals for the ages.

I began The Meke Pasifika Dance Academy to share the stories of my South Pacific people with the world.

I also pursued modeling with the Christian Models Association in 2022 as a curve, commercial and fashion model. I want girls and women around the world, especially Pasifika women, to know that it IS possible to pursue the arts with visible tattoos and a curvier body. Beauty is also found beneath the surface. What ultimately captivates people is a happy and kind spirit.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an histologist by fulltime profession and I also code as a software engineer and own several businesses.

I attended University in Australia under the Medical Sciences undergraduate program where I majored in Human Bioscience. My career as an histologist stemmed from my fascination of the human body and its physiology. It is amazing to study the human anatomy on a cellular level, it really broadens my perspective on a lot of things and helps to illuminate and strengthen my understanding in many other aspects of medicine.

The shutdown of the COVID pandemic in 2020 was when I decided to pursue artistic and creative avenues. I was quarantined in the month of May and used my time to develop another skill. I began coding and creative writing. I began freelancing and designing web pages for several clients to build my portfolio.
In May of 2022, I began as a software engineer (full-stack java) and pursued business ventures. My best friend and I started our own food business, Kusima Kitchen, and I started my online dance business, The Meke Pasifika Dance Academy and an online clothing and accessory store named The MelaTECHnesian where all proceeds go towards STEM academic sponsorship for students in Fiji.

Starting a business has its challenges as any entrepreneur will confirm. For me, the challenge was consistency. Being consistent in marketing my product to build clientele and revenue while also working two fulltime jobs was a juggle but I am learning how to manage my time well.

Currently, I am pursuing another project and this is my BIGGEST project by far. I will be opening my own histology reference lab in Fiji.

For me the pleasure of learning is a fully sufficient motive for everything I do. My mantra is that I am a student, always.
I pursue every opportunity to learn a new skill, hobby, language, acquire knowledge and then use these things to serve people and help them become and pursue better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a fun question! I currently have the freedom to bounce between Atlanta and Colorado for work so I will make recommendations for both.
Colorado is known for the outdoors! So, there are great hiking trails, ski resorts, campgrounds, bike trails, hot springs.
My favourite is the Great Sand Dunes. I love to camp closeby and then hike up the dunes as the sun is setting and lay at the dune’s peak and wait for the stars to appear. The sky is so clear and make for a perfect night of stargazing.

Atlanta is filled with diversity and culture! Which I absolutely love! I am a sucker for creative art and Atlanta is booming with artistry. A stroll through downtown Atlanta is enough to get your fill for live music and art coupled with the city lights and skyscrapers. It truly is a sight-seer’s dream. Stone Mountain Park is where I would go hiking and for a nice evening stroll, I opted for the boardwalk by the Chattahoochee River in Roswell.
I love coffee shops, this is where I go to code. My favourite coffee spots in Atlanta are Hodgepodge, Urban Grind, and Black Coffee ATL.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many people to thank!

But before I do, I would like to thank God!
I believe that He was strategic in His design of my life and my abilities. I do not treat any of my gifts as mere frivolity, I know that He has gifted me specific things for a greater purpose.

I would also like to thank my samba mentor and friend, Caitlin Brozna-Smith who is the founder and artistic director of Bella Diva Dance in Denver Colorado, I have not met an individual quite like she is. Her heart for people of all ages, race, and background is one of a kind. She took me under her wing in 2016 when I attended my first Samba dance class at her school. She taught me how to dance samba and provided many opportunities for me to share my cultural dances which increased my confidence and self-esteem and enabled me to pursue other artistic avenues, like modeling and singing.
I immediately felt welcomed and at home at Bella Diva Dance. Her vision for an all-inclusive and diverse dance community is so evident in her classes. There are people from all walks of life in one session! It is beautiful to see!

To my best friend, sister, and business partner, Tima, who has sat up at the dining table and gone on long car rides with me to simply be a listening ear. Thank you for your love, your support and your encouragement. You never told me I was crazy for wanting to do anything that seemed outrageous! Your words were always, “You go Emz! Nothing is impossible!”
Thank you for the times you have sat up to cry with me and pray with and for me. Thank you for having my back.

To my parents, for always encouraging me to pursue greater. Albeit you reside on the opposite side of the globe, your love and support is always truly felt and appreciated. Thank you for sending me on the right path and helping me set my own sails.

To Bishop Kevin Foreman, my leader and mentor, for pushing me to excel in all areas of my life, to not settle and to strive for greater. Thank you for your counsel and the tremendous impact you have on my life. Your ubiquitous influence is felt by people everywhere.

And lastly, to my partner, Judah, whose heart is so kind and pure. You see what goes on behind the scenes and you are my rock through all of it. Thank you for being present. Thank you for being my greatest support.

Website: https://melatechnesian.etsy.com/

Instagram: @emztagram__

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/emilyvulaca

Other: @kusimakitchen @emilyvulaca