Celebrating Pacific Island Heritage

Let me take you on a journey from the humble streets of Mangere, New Zealand, to the vibrant and culturally rich creation of Nesian Kulture. As a Tongan-Swedish island girl, born in the heart of Mangere, my story is one of cultural curiosity, family devotion, and the surprising twists life can take when you least expect them.

Discovering My Tongan Roots

Growing up, I was always aware of my unique blend of heritage—Tongan from my mother's side and Tongan and Swedish from my father's lineage. But it wasn't until I was 15 that my curiosity about my Tongan roots truly sparked. The beautiful, intricate designs seen on ngatus (tapa cloth) captivated me. These patterns, so full of history and meaning, resonated with me deeply. I started mimicking them on my hands, much to my family's amusement. It was a quiet rebellion of sorts, an expression of my love for my culture that I kept close to my heart.

A Dream Deferred

Even as I sketched these traditional designs, a dream began to form—a dream of creating apparel and accessories that would celebrate Tongan culture. But, like many young dreamers, I had no clue where to start. To be honest, I wasn't the biggest fan of school, from primary all the way through high school. The structured academic environment just wasn’t my thing, and the idea of starting a business seemed like a distant fantasy.

Life took its natural course, as it often does in traditional Tongan families. My parents decided to move our entire family from New Zealand to Sydney, Australia, where I embraced family life wholeheartedly. This new chapter included raising children and balancing the daily demands of sports, school, and work. My dream of starting a Pacific Island brand always floated in the back of my mind, like a sweet melody you can't quite catch. But there was simply no time to pursue it—no regrets, though. I was living a full life, blessed with a beautiful family.

The Turning Point

Fast forward to today, and I'm a proud mother of eight children and grandmother to eight grandchildren, with two more on the way. My life has been a whirlwind of blessings, each child and grandchild adding a new layer of joy and responsibility. But through it all, my dream of creating something meaningful for the Tongan community never left me. It was always there, waiting for the right moment.

That moment came thanks to my incredible husband, Feeros, who, by the way, is Lebanese. He's the rock behind Nesian Kulture, the one who gave me the nudge I needed to turn my dream into reality. Feeros believed in me when I doubted myself. He saw potential where I saw challenges and provided unwavering support. Without his encouragement and confidence, Nesian Kulture might have remained just a dream.

The Birth of Nesian Kulture

With Feeros' push, we finally launched Nesian Kulture. What started as a small venture has blossomed into a brand that not only celebrates Tongan culture but also embraces the rich diversity of the Pacific Islands. From T-shirts featuring traditional patterns to accessories that tell a story, our products are a reflection of our love for our heritage and our community.

Even though it took decades for this dream to become a reality, I believe it was all in God's timing. The journey wasn't just about achieving a goal; it was about growing, learning, and becoming the person I needed to be to lead this brand. Despite being the founder, I'm a bit camera-shy, which is why you don't see much of me on Nesian Kulture's social media. My husband, Feeros, has become the face of our brand, especially on social platforms. His outgoing personality and passion for what we do make him the perfect ambassador for our brand. Meanwhile, I prefer working behind the scenes, crafting designs and ensuring that every piece we create resonates with the cultural pride and beauty of the Pacific Islands.

Embracing the Pacific Island Community

Our journey didn't stop at just Tongan culture. We've received immense support and requests from other Pacific Island communities, including Samoa, Hawaii, Niue, and beyond. We are also proud to include our Melanesian and Micronesian brothers and sisters, and even the Aboriginal community. While geographically distinct, we all share a deep love for our traditions and pride in our identities. This inclusivity is at the heart of Nesian Kulture—we celebrate all aspects of Pacific Island culture and the beautiful connections we share.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to celebrate and share the rich cultures of the Pacific Islands with the world. We aim to provide quality products that make our customers feel proud of their heritage. We also strive to be a platform for cultural expression, a place where everyone, regardless of their background, can feel seen and appreciated.

My journey from a curious teenager in Mangere to the founder of Nesian Kulture has been filled with unexpected twists and immense joy. I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, especially my husband, Feeros, who turned my dream into a reality. Together, we look forward to continuing this journey, creating products that bring a touch of the islands into everyday life.

Thank you for being a part of Nesian Kulture. Whether you're here to learn more about your roots, find a piece of apparel that speaks to your heritage, or simply join our community, we welcome you with open arms. Let's continue to celebrate our unique cultures and the beautiful tapestry that is the Pacific Islands. Here's to many more years of love, laughter, and cultural pride! 🌺🌴