OUR STORY
Island Pepe; "Pepe" is the Polynesian word for "Baby".
Talofa lava and Malo e lelei!
We are the Masoe family and Valikoula family, co-founders of Island Pepe.
We come from a rich heritage of cultures spanning the tropical regions of the South Pacific. As parents, we share with many others a deep desire to pass on to our children the things which matter the most.
For us, this began with sharing the culture. We believe that a significant part of this begins with teaching them our native language through speech, song, visual words and illustrations – a tradition used by our ancestors. This, we believe, will create lasting and loving impressions for our children, like those we carry in our own childhood memories.
Island Pepe welcomes everyone, Polynesian or not, to come take a look at our Pasefika inspired unique onesies, blankets and more which are truly one-of-a-kind and perfect for your little ones!
COLLABORATIONS WITH OTHER LANGUAGES
Apart from our Samoan and Tongan designs, all our other language designs have been a collaboration
between Island Pepe and a native speaker from that country/island.
We are extremely aware of the importance of respecting other countries within the South Pacific
and especially preserving their language and culture.
We do not take this matter lightly and will not post designs that are not from a native speaker of that certain island.
All our language designs have been submitted, checked and approved by a native speaker who also receives a percentage of the sale.
Meet our collaborators!
Cook Islands
Kia Orana!
My name is Māmā Moe. My ancestral land spans from Tauhunu - Manihiki, southward to Vaipae - Aitutaki in the Cook Islands.
Living outside of the Cook Islands and since starting my own family, it’s been important for me to keep our culture and native language - te reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani alive!
This humbling opportunity to collaborate with Island Pepe provides a means to interweave our precious reo within their Pasifika inspired apparel and keep our pēpe culturally connected.
I E KO KO!
-Māmā Moe
Fiji
My Name is Josese Cokanauto, I am from the beautiful village of
Daliconi from the Island of Vanua Balavu in Lau.
I am grateful for an opportunity to be part of a team that
portrays our native language in a way that will keep it strong.
Niue
Fakaalofa mahofi atu! We are Jazinta & LeGrand Hekau from the Rock of Polynesia, Niue Island. We come from the villages of Alofi & Hakupu.
Our family is made up of three little ones who are the inspiration behind us joining the lovely team here at Island Pepe.
As parents, we enjoy finding fun ways to teach and share our culture with our children.
This year, we are excited to collaborate with Island Pepe to add Vagahau Niue to their beautiful collection by designing new and translating existing designs in the Niue section
Fakaaue lahi - The Hekaus
OUR VISION
We have a mission to help inspire our children, and parents alike, to preserve the
language/culture of our ancestors and share it with the world.