Bridging Tradition To Commercial Success
Segaula Samoa's story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to empowering Samoan women through the age-old tradition of weaving. It all began with Segaula's deep-rooted love for her homeland and a profound belief in the transformative power of traditional craftsmanship. Born out of necessity and nurtured by passion, Segaula's journey traces back to her humble beginnings in the islands of Tonga from 1993 to 2010. Life was not without its challenges on the remote shores of Ha'apai, where Segaula, alongside her beloved husband Monitiveti Liuaki, navigated the rugged terrain of island living. She used to do all sorts of things in Tonga from exporting of the Tongan weaving (koloa) to America, to selling fish, baked goods, watermelon and crops in the markets to running a taxi business and her very own food canteen called SII KAE LAU. With four beautiful children and four grandchildren to care for, Segaula's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited by the desire to provide for her family. Drawing upon her innate talent and cultural heritage, Segaula embarked on a mission to revive the art of weaving, a skill passed down through generations. In Tonga, she established a similar venture, driven by the vision of empowering Tongan women to achieve financial independence through their craft. Despite her best efforts, the venture faced challenges, prompting Segaula to seek new horizons. Two years ago, Segaula returned to her beloved homeland of Samoa, where her journey truly began. With a renewed sense of purpose and a deep-seated passion for preserving Samoan culture, Segaula set out to create opportunities for local women weavers. Collaborating closely with communities in Savaii and Aufaga, Segaula tirelessly worked to establish weaving groups and impart traditional skills to a new generation. Segaula's dedication and perseverance did not go unnoticed. Her commitment to empowering women and showcasing Samoa's cultural heritage attracted attention from the government, which recognized her significant contributions to the local economy and the promotion of Samoan handicrafts overseas. Today, Segaula Samoa stands at the threshold of a new era, poised to transition from a non-profit organization to a commercial enterprise. Guided by Segaula's vision and fueled by the support of her team and community, Leaolupesina Samoa Import & Export is ready to embark on a journey of commercial success. With a wealth of experience, a legacy of empowerment, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Segaula Samoa is poised to redefine the landscape of Samoan handicrafts on the global stage. As we honor the past and embrace the future, we invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey of tradition, innovation, and empowerment.