Aloha!

Creativity: A Lifelong Passion

Growing up, I was always the creative kid. Whether it was theater, music, dance, or art, I was constantly involved in some kind of project. Throughout my academics, I was always described as “creative” and someone who loved to dive into different forms of expression. But, for the longest time, I never considered myself an artist. I had a passion for creativity, but it felt like something that was separate from me—something I admired in others but didn’t fully see in myself.

Then came Pasifika Pua.

Starting this business has reignited my creative spirit in ways I never expected. It pushed me to embrace that artist within, and suddenly, all those years of exploring different creative outlets began to weave together into a cohesive vision. Pasifika Pua has allowed me to finally accept myself as an artist and creative. Through our works, I get to channel my creativity into representing something much bigger than just myself—my culture, my roots, and the journey I’m on.

Rediscovery: Connecting with My Hawaiian Heritage

My story is one of both discovery and longing. Raised by my adoptive parents, I grew up feeling like something was missing—a connection to the birth family I had never known. There was always a part of me yearning to connect with my roots.

It wasn’t until I arrived at the University of Montana that I truly began to connect with my heritage. Until then, I had never heard the Hawaiian language spoken in person, and I had only seen hula once in my life. Hawai'i had always felt like a faraway place, something disconnected from my day-to-day reality.

When I came to Montana, however, things began to shift. One day, I noticed a poster for the University of Montana’s Pacific Islanders Club, and I’ll admit—it immediately drew me in. It felt like the first real opportunity to embrace my Hawaiian identity and learn more about my culture in a meaningful way. I joined the club, and it became a turning point in my life.

Hula: The Bridge to Family and Culture

One of the most transformative experiences of my journey has been learning hula. It wasn’t just a dance; it became a connection to my kūpuna, to my 'ohana, and to a deeper part of myself that had always been missing. Through hula, I began to understand my cultural roots in a way I never had before. It also gave me the courage to search for my birth father, a journey that culminated in a meaningful meeting in the summer of 2023 in Colorado.

Meeting my birth father was a powerful experience—it helped me reclaim a part of my identity I had long been searching for. The journey didn’t end there, though. Learning hula and engaging with the Pacific Islanders Club was the catalyst for me to fully embrace my heritage and begin building a relationship with a culture I had always felt a deep connection to, even if I didn’t fully understand it at first.

The Power of Shared Experience: Meeting Jenna

It was also through hula that I met Jenna, my Pasifika Pua business partner. We bonded over similar experiences—both of us raised away from our islands and culture. We shared a sense of longing to reconnect, to understand our heritage more deeply, and to share that journey with others. There’s something uniquely powerful about meeting someone who understands the nuances of your experience, especially when it comes to navigating life as a Pacific Islander in the diaspora.

Our shared desire to connect more with our culture led us to work together on Pasifika Pua. Through our collaboration, we’ve found a space where we can express our love for our heritage, celebrate our creativity, and create pieces that represent our experiences and community.

Moving Forward: The Journey Continues

For me, Pasifika Pua is more than just a business. It’s a personal journey of rediscovery, a way to reconnect with my roots, and an opportunity to share my story with others. Every piece we create tells a story—not just of my experiences, but of all those who long to reconnect with their culture, their family, and themselves.

As I continue on this path, I’m filled with gratitude for the community that has supported me along the way. From the Pacific Islanders Club to the new friends and mentors I’ve met, each connection has helped me better understand my place in this world. I’m no longer just searching for who I am—I’m embracing it. And I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.

Mahalo for joining me on this journey of creativity, culture, and rediscovery.