My goal is to create art with intention, bringing awareness to social, cultural, and environmental issues through creative expression. What started off as a podcast has grown into a brand. Inspired by a desire to see and experience the world through the lens of my kūpuna (ancestors), I’ve committed to living that vision by spending the next 11 months volunteering on Hōlanikũ and sharing my personal experience through my podcast bringing light to the industrial waste and cultural significance of this sacred place. As this is a volunteer opportunity, I’m seeking purposeful ways to support myself while continuing to spark change and amplify the issues that matter. Every piece I create is a call to action: to reflect, to speak out, and to reconnect. Through our shared stories and struggles, my art aims to build the bridges and gaps and unify us as a collective.
How can I support you?
Support comes in all forms. If you purchase a product please tag me @Nativediaspora. Subscribe to my podcast channel Native Diaspora, and share with your friends, family, and socials.
Launching soon I’ll be sharing how you can support this journey and help raise awareness for our ʻāina, wai, and community efforts. Mahalo for your contribution.
What is the story behind your logo?
Inside the eye is Pāpāhānaumoku, (Earth) with some of the sacred places I journeyed through during my 2023 solo backpacking trip throughout the Polynesian Triangle. Making my way through Tahiti, Ra'iātea, Taha'a, Aotearoa, Aotea, South America and Rapa Nui. In Ra'iātea while honoring Taputapuātea Marae (temple) also known as the home of the Polynesian deities there was a he'e (octopus) connecting all the points of the triangle and highlighting the exact places I was traveling through. The he'e also holds deep significance in my lineage and continued to show up in different ways throughout my travels.
Rapa Nui is in the middle of a trash vortex, their beaches along with many of us are covered in trash and microplastics. The garbage patch is a reminder that our trash doesn't disappear when it's thrown away, it travels.
The counter clock wise arrows symbolize resistance and a commitment to unlearn the conditioning of colonial systems.
Above Pāpāhānaumoku is the moon I was born on (Kūpau), beneath sits the constellationMakali'i (Pleiades), the constellation that Hawaiians are said to have voyaged down through a wa'a (canoe). The outer corners of the eye are formed by two koa'e kea (white-tailed tropicbirds), one of my favorite birds and also the bird I have tattooed on my throat. They represent guidance, perseverance and strength.
The eyelashes represent the 4 major Akua (deities) through Native plants.
Kupukupu fern: one of the first sprouts of growth after an eruption.
Ha'pu'u fern: one of the largest tree ferns, and symbol of strength and protection.
Palapalai fern: sacred to Laka, the Akua (deity) of hula
'Ōhia'a lehua: beloved by Pele (volcano diety) and vital to our ecosystems.
Every element is made with intention. The design resembles an eye, a symbol of vision and perception. These elements serve as an invitation to see the world for all that she is. A world where we no longer exploit 'āina (land), and resources, but we tend, listen, and mālama (to take care) her.
Are you eco friendly?
I do my best to be as eco-efficient as possible in every step of the process.
Stickers are printed using UV ECO ink, which is a more environmentally friendly alternative to standard inks. My graphic transfer decal stickers are long-lasting, waterproof, and semi-permanent.
T-shirts are made from 100% ring-spun cotton for comfort and quality, with sustainability in mind.
Packaging is fully eco-conscious. For home orders, business cards are carved from real leaves and wrapped in tī leaf. For shipped orders, items are wrapped in biodegradable kraft paper and tied with natural twine.
