OUR STORY

Paulo Luki Pulemagafa Wooching, also known as “Luki” is a true Polynesian island boy. He was born and raised on the beautiful island of Western Samoa under a coconut weaved hut with 14 siblings. Having endless family members on a small secluded island meant- being resourceful and working hard was embedded in Luki’s blood at a young age.

Because Samoa is a developing country, buying toys or important items such as containers, bowls and hats were as Luki said: “just a dream out of reach”. Therefore, since he was a child he learned how to weave such things out of coconut leaves. In the Polynesian culture, you use what the land naturally provides you to survive; and that’s exactly what Luki and his family did.

Fast forward years later, he met his beautiful wife Shannon who is from Tacoma, WA. The Big Island of Hawaii became the perfect mix of culture and backgrounds for both Shannon and Luki, therefore that is where they made their home and started a family.

Because Luki spent so much time weaving as a kid, his passion in learning more and making it a career grew. He spent endless hours perfecting his craft and is now a Master Weaver. As Luki said: “In the Polynesian culture, songs and dances are common expressions that pass down ancient knowledge, history and traditions to the next generation. To me, weaving is another beautiful way of displaying our way of life to others. As you weave, you weave together whatever values you hold dear including things that may need mending. Then you pass that gift down to the next generation stronger than it was before.”

It doesn’t get any more authentic than this! Luki may not live in Samoa anymore, but he always looks forward to showcasing the work of his hands and proudly representing his culture along the way. As the saying goes: “You can take the boy from the island, but you can’t take the island from the boy”.