Pasifika Creatives in Business

Interviews by Wesley Potogi (he/him)

Tulipe’s Studio (@_tulipestudio) 

Mālō le soifua maua ma le lagi e mamā.

O lo’u igoa o Vienna Futi, and I’m a proud Pasifika freelance makeup artist based in Porirua.

During the 2020 lockdown, I saw myself picking up the brushes and creating fun and simple makeup looks. As we eased out of lockdown and back into (some sort of) normality, I continued offering makeup services for family and friends.

I draw inspiration from other Pasifika. Pasifika who take up space despite the discomfort. I’m reminded that we, as Pasifika, are creative, innovative, and adaptable. This is what inspired me to launch Tulipe’s Studio.

I offer soft, full, and festive glam for various events and occasions.

I am blessed to be in this creative space where I get to connect with other Pasifika, listen to their stories, and be part of their special events. Fa’afetai tele lava mo le avanoa, Ia manuia.

Matai Ink (@asomua_tatau)

Asomua Atua Peniamina, business owner of Matai Ink tattoo studio in Wellington.

Matai Ink is inspired by our markings; it is a story we carry throughout generations. It is important to me as an artist to keep motifs of our culture alive through tattoos.

I specialise in contemporary Polynesian and fine line tattoos. I strive to craft unique pieces that tell your story, celebrate your culture, and mark your heritage.

Whether it is your first tattoo or you’re a tattoo enthusiast, it is important to me that your experience at Matai Ink is memorable and leaves you with a lasting piece of art that represents your culture.

Pop in to my studio at 2B/97 Taranaki Street or view my work on Instagram. 

Creative_Wezz (@creative_wezz) 

The Creative_Wezz brand focuses on Pasifika designs to bring people's visions to life. Through different media from graphic design, creating illustrations, logo making, t-shirt designs, and photography, Creative_Wezz aims to explore Pasifika identity throughout design.

Creative_Wezz was established in 2019 to explore my passion for music and design. Things started to take off over the course of Covid-19 lockdown, like other small businesses.

Four years later, I am currently studying towards a bachelor of Design Innovation to further my love and understanding of what I do best.

I draw inspiration from my parents and the work that they do within the Church Ministry. Your talent is God’s gift to you, and what you do with it is your gift back to God. Creativity has always been a part of my life. Through the use of tautua, I aim to give back to my parents with the many blessings they have gifted me with.

Vain Creative (@vaincreative)

We are a team of four inter-disciplinary Pasifika designers utilising design as a tool to innovate our va, based in Wellington.

Vain Creative launched in 2020 and since then, we have worked on various projects ranging from social media content, branding, logos, websites, and videography. We have a dual purpose: we want to re-imagine design with a Pasifika-centred lens and push our community forward with future technologies.

Having all come through tertiary institutions that taught us the tools and trades of the ‘traditional designer’, we’re now wanting to push the boundaries of what it means to be Pasifika designers and creatives.

Our drive is embedded within the narrative behind our name, Vain—to continuously innovate the vā/space we occupy. We’ve come to understand that innovative and effective design is built upon collaboration and relationships and our design practice is reflective of this.