From Stage Lights to Entrepreneurship: Corina Dettke Builds CVD Beauty

Long before she built a beauty brand, Corina Dettke was already learning how to command a stage. From performing as a five-year-old hula dancer to becoming the first female bodybuilder to represent Solomon Islands, she has transformed each chapter of her life into a story of courage, creativity and determination.

Today, she is the founder of CVD Beauty, a local beauty business shaped by her passion for makeup, wellness, confidence and empowering others.

Born in Guadalcanal Province, Corina says her multicultural background has helped shape her identity and outlook.

Her father is of Solomon Islander and German heritage, while her mother is of Tongan and English heritage.

Raised in Solomon Islands, she attended Woodford International School from kindergarten to Year 9 before completing her college studies overseas, where she pursued opportunities and facilities that were not available locally at the time.

Her passion for creativity began early through the performing arts.

“I began performing as a hula dancer at just five years old, competing in Fiji before performing at executive functions, festivals, talent shows, and cultural events throughout Honiara,” Corina said.

Being on stage introduced her to beauty, makeup and self-expression, sparking an interest that would later become the foundation of her business journey.

Corina credits the strong women in her family for shaping her confidence and passion for beauty. Her Tongan grandmother was an entertainer and musical artist who carried herself with elegance, while her Guadalcanal grandmother owned a beauty salon.

“My mother and aunties taught me the importance of taking pride in your appearance, looking after your health, dressing well, and feeling confident in yourself,” she said.

Her father’s work supporting rural communities through Solomon Noni products also influenced her desire to create something meaningful in Solomon Islands.

“Although his vision faced challenges due to limited government support and funding, it taught me the importance of giving back to local communities,” she said.

Breaking Barriers in Sport

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Corina made history in the sporting arena.

At 23 years old, she developed a passion for nutrition and fitness, which led her into competitive natural bodybuilding.

She became the first female bodybuilder to represent Solomon Islands in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

Her achievements include becoming a three-time Ms Solomon runner-up, competing at the South Pacific Bodybuilding Championships, and winning silver at the South Pacific Games when Solomon Islands hosted the event.

For Corina, bodybuilding was not only about physical strength; it became a platform for creativity, confidence and self-expression.

“I created my own stage presentation, from my makeup and hair to my outfits and styling. Everything reflected my own creativity and vision,” she said.

Her sporting journey deepened her interest in beauty and encouraged her to pursue formal qualifications.

She later completed a Dual Diploma in Beauty Therapy and Salon Management and became a certified makeup artist, certified bridal makeup artist and skin specialist.

Through CVD Beauty, she now provides professional beauty services including bridal and event makeup, waxing, manicures and pedicures, massage therapy, reflexology, customised facials, lash applications, brow shaping and specialised skincare services.

Applying Sporting Discipline to Business

Corina says many lessons from sport continue to guide her as she builds her business.

“Time management, discipline, and consistency are essential,” she said.

Running a business while maintaining a demanding lifestyle has not been easy. Corina works full-time as a Floor and Assistant Manager at ITA Hardware, a family business that has operated in Solomon Islands for more than 50 years and employs many Indigenous Solomon Islanders.

Alongside her work, she continues to train as a natural bodybuilder, manages CVD Beauty, and attends Troppo Markets every second Sunday to showcase her products and services.

“I work six to seven days every week,” she said.

Despite her busy schedule, Corina believes in maintaining balance by prioritising family, friendships, spiritual wellbeing and physical health.

“For me, CVD Beauty is much more than a business. It allows me to express my creativity, connect with people and provide affordable, professional beauty services that help others feel confident,” she said.

Creating Opportunities Beyond Competition

While bodybuilding remains an important part of her identity, Corina began looking beyond competition and towards entrepreneurship.

“Although I remain passionate about bodybuilding after more than 11 years in the sport, I began seeing opportunities beyond competition,” she said.

“I wanted to build something that could continue making a positive impact long after my athletic career.”

She hopes to continue supporting the National Bodybuilding Federation as a judge and by helping develop future competitions in Solomon Islands.

Beyond sport and beauty, Corina is passionate about supporting local entrepreneurs.

She is actively involved with the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) and participates in local markets and community events that encourage Indigenous entrepreneurs to showcase their talents.

She is also among the new members joining YECSI’s growing network, which connects young entrepreneurs and supports business development opportunities.

Through YECSI, Corina said she has gained opportunities to showcase her business, connect with other entrepreneurs and participate in initiatives that support youth and local businesses.

She also completed Customer Service Skills training through Pacific Australia Skills, which she said strengthened her professional skills and confidence in engaging with customers.

Redefining Beauty and Confidence

For Corina, beauty is not only about appearance.

“Competing in bodybuilding taught me that beauty is about much more than appearance,” she said.

She believes confidence comes from caring for the whole person, including physical health, mental wellbeing, spiritual alignment and a strong sense of identity and purpose.

“True beauty starts from within. Good nutrition, exercise, self-care, and overall wellbeing determine how you feel on the inside, and that confidence naturally reflects on the outside,” she said.

That philosophy continues to guide her work through CVD Beauty.

A Message to Young Solomon Islanders

With around 70 per cent of Solomon Islands’ population under the age of 30, Corina believes young people have an important role to play in shaping the country’s future.

Her message to young people is simple: pursue your passions and keep learning.

“Find what you’re passionate about. It may begin as a hobby or side hustle, but with commitment, education, and hard work, it can grow into a successful career,” she said.

She encourages young Solomon Islanders to explore opportunities in areas such as beauty, fashion, agriculture, science, technology, education, cooking, marketing and other fields.

Corina believes greater investment in local businesses is essential and hopes to see more trade fairs, business expos, Indigenous markets, workshops and short courses that give entrepreneurs practical skills and opportunities.

“We have incredible talent within our communities,” she said.

“By investing in our people, buying local products, and supporting entrepreneurs, we can strengthen our nation’s future.”

Looking ahead, Corina’s dream is to grow CVD Beauty into a trusted local beauty brand while creating opportunities for others.

She hopes to collaborate with local businesses, designers, photographers, models and entrepreneurs while continuing to educate people about skincare, beauty and professional standards.

From the performance stage to the bodybuilding arena and now entrepreneurship, Corina Dettke’s journey is a story of resilience, creativity and belief in the potential of Solomon Islanders to create their own opportunities.