Heliaki.

Solve - MIT sought out solutions from Indigenous innovators in the US and Canada that build upon traditional knowledge and technology to meet the social, environmental, and economic goals of their communities. Heliaki. has been selected as a semifinalist. Learn more about Solve’s Global Challenges, Indigenous Communities Fellowship, and our solution here: http://bit.ly/3VYzAlx

I have really bad social anxiety, and, if I’m completely honest with you all, it really started after people started to recognize me on social media.

If you’ve been following me since the beginning, you’ll know it took me a year before I even showed my face on this platform.

I’m not posting this to garner sympathy, because, in all sincerity, I’ve been getting messages like this for 3 years. If I let this stop me, then I’d be allowing other people to interfere with what I believe to be the purpose my ancestors want me to walk in.

I’m sharing this because if you show me love via DM or in the comment section and I don’t respond, it’s not because I’m ignoring you or don’t appreciate your kindness; it’s because sometimes I’m too anxiety-ridden to even read what’s been written to or about me online.

Sending you all love and courage to be your best selves today. Ofa lahi atu! -Celina Dirty Mexican Mouth With A Tongan Heart

Today is the birthday of one of my oldest friends, but calling her just a friend feels odd because she's truly famili to me and my kāinga. Just like a sister, she's been by my side, handling my ADHD with grace for years. Ariana, along with her mum Dorothea, has played a huge role in shaping the woman I am today.

As many islanders here can relate, I didn’t have many friends outside of cousins. But Ariana and her mum Dorothea opened my world, teaching me, by example, the true essence of being a strong, intelligent, and resilient woman of color.

Thank you, Ariana, for loving me, quirks and all, even when I'm slow to respond to your texts. We've missed several opportunities to meet up recently, and reflecting on this, I realize we should definitely change that.

I often take for granted how constant you are in my life, and for that, I apologize. Your friendship and care mean the world to me. Ofa lahi atu sis, and happy birthday young lady.

Oh and PS, to my followers…. Ariana and Dorothea definitely are responsible for my impeccable and eclectic ass taste in music lol.

The King of Tonga on Palestine an excerpt from a piece by Paul Theroux from June 7, 1992. -Va

Side by side with Kalisi, whose warmth and wisdom in talk therapy touch lives, and Gillian, whose art and advocacy are fibers of change in our Pasifika community. It's an honor to work and create with these incredible souls. We're brewing something special—a project that speaks to our shared dreams of healing and growth. Here’s to .

Update. The last post was removed out of respect for the family. Malo.

Pasifika 4 Palestine.

Going to have these available as free digital downloads. I would try and sell these to support relief efforts but I’m broke. That said if you can donate to a reputable cause please do.

Silence is compliance, is setting the record straight.

Lmfao y’all are so for this. Make sure you 😂😩😩😩😂😭

Y’all are so 😂😂😂😩😩😩😂😂😂😂

We hate the word 'customers' because to us, you all feel like famili. 🌍💙 And family is always our priority. We've listened to your concerns about shipping prices and wait times for our Pacific region fam. So, we took action! 🌟 Introducing our 'Made In Australia' collection, specially curated for our loved ones in New Zealand, Australia, and The Pacific. And guess what? We're proudly offering FREE shipping on all 'Made in Australia' collection products to Australia and NZ! 📦✨

Crafted with love and precision in Naarm/Melbourne, we're taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint by prioritizing local production. 🌱

Being a proud Pacific Islander-owned brand based in the USA, sustainability isn't just a word—it's our ethos. Our garments are exclusively made-to-order, and we're teaming up with global printers to promote eco-friendly practices. 🌿

Join us in our journey and embrace Pasifika owned fashion that not only looks good but does good for our planet. 🌏💚

Also be sure to check our our Aussie Pasifika sis who is killing the r&b game down under. You won’t be disappointed, give sis a follow.

Cherchez La Femme. You need this tee.

Meg The 🐎 🇹🇴

Poured all my love into the new new for yall…

Respect The Locals or Else! ☠️

Early '90s vibes: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Booyaa T.R.I.B.E., and Ice-T jamming on the Lollapalooza stage. Rock meets rap in the dopest way. It’s a cali thang, IYKYK!

She got stickers? Lawd. 😍

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HELIAKI

Creating this piece hit close to home for me, it was taking apart my ethnic, cultural, and diasporic identity. Inspired by a real-ass photo of a female set from the Sons of Samoa, the art shows three Pasifika women styled as cholas. I'm not out here trying to glamorize gang culture; that's not the point. What I do want is to shed light on a side of Pasifika life that's often brushed aside. Growing up, if you weren't in church or striving for college, it felt like you were on the outskirts of your own community. That's a lonely space, you know? I want this artwork to speak to those who've felt that, to let them know they're seen. Because being Pasifika ain't a one-size-fits-all experience; there are levels and layers to us. (Second Photo is just my moodboard)⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣