Robin Uata

“I was inspired to create a magazine highlighting Pasifika creatives because of my first trip to Tonga in 2018. Growing up, I had heard so many stories from my parents and relatives about their upbringing. When I finally had the opportunity to go to Tonga, it was surreal. At this moment in my life, I was struggling to find my purpose as a creative. For years I had been doing freelance work as a photographer, designer, and stylist and had collaborated with dozens of creatives. I slowly began to realize that there weren't a lot of people who looked like me in these spaces and that to me felt extremely limiting. Going to Tonga literally and metaphorically helped me reconnect with my roots. Being in Tonga reminded me that the ocean is my greatest resource and helped me see the potential in creating something that would embrace creativity, culture, and community. If people were not going to give me a seat at the table in these creative spaces, then I had to create my own table. Just a few months after returning from Tonga, I started Pacificus as an Instagram page which later transitioned into a printed publication with its debut issue releasing in October 2020.”