Sam Mangakahia

3.7.22

Family: Two brothers one older (Ballet Professionally) and one younger Kuba (Jack of all trades). Sam was raised by goodly parents in Australia. His father is from New Zealand (Maori, Fijian, Irish,) and his mother is from East Africa (Tanzania, Britain/Welsh)

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Certificate in Entrepreneurship, Minor Painting

Occupation: Business Owner/ Entrepreneur/ Freelance Artist

Favorite Polynesian Food: Hangi (Maori Style Umu), Boil Up (Maori), Lusipi (Tongan)

"Participating in Great Ideas and Empower your dreams (BYUH Business Competitions). It has changed the way I see business and how I can provide for my family and for myself."

"The biggest thing about entering these business competitions, it has helped me refine and design what my business is about. I initially started with my ukulele as my first idea, and I was able to make it to the finals every time that I participated. It was a very humbling experience. I think just the fact that I was rejected and that I didn’t place two times in a row and had motivated me to be resilient to when I receive a no or it just doesn’t go my way. That has been a common strand in my life, things don’t turn out the way I planned. It was a safe place for me to get rejected and then for me to desperately reach out to mentors/ friends to ask them how I could improve my business idea. Some mentors that stood out to me is Jason Earl and Spencer Taggart, really helped support me and gave me the time of day after I pestered them with questions. They opened opportunities for me to share my art and pitch in front of someone, to have that moral support motivated me to be where I am today."

How has being of Polynesian descent and culture shape who you are today?

It gives me a sense of identity and sense of belonging. It also helps me to dig deeper into the culture and find out more about my ancestors. Everything in our culture, in Polynesian culture, in Maori culture points towards our ancestors. It helps me to stay grounded and it’s a fascinating history. Te Ao Maori, has been everything for me. It is fascinating to see, and I love art and share stories through art. My main message is sharing my culture through art and is a pivotal point in my life.

“The obstacle is the way. The path of most resistance is the way. Build on your failures, and you can be successful."

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