I've often wanted to write my memoir of how my journey has led me to this very moment. Though I will someday turn these bullet points into the story that it tells, I'd like to briefly share some of the highlighted moments that have led me to where I am today in my journey with Haute Polynesia.
I started sketching faces at the age of ten. I remember being fascinated with the eyes and the lips especially. This was also quite therapeutic for me.
I then started sketching entire bodies with fancy gowns around the age of eleven. I loved coming up with fancy, extravagant dress styles for special occasions.
By the time I was twelve, I had an entire notebook full of dress sketches. I was an introvert and only showed my best friend these sketches.
Bought my first fashion magazine (Harper's Bazaar) and loved looking through the pages at all the models, designers, accessories, and fashion styles.
Fell discouraged after seeing a dress in the fashion magazine that was exactly like a gown I had sketched. This made me feel that my ideas were not unique or original enough and I threw my entire sketchbook away deeming myself not creative enough to be a fashion designer.
Around the age of fourteen I decide to pick up fashion sketching again as a past time.
I designed dresses for the formal school dances of my sister, my cousins, and friends. I also started choosing fabric for my designs and finding seamstresses to create these designs.
I built a portfolio of sketches, looks, and designs that have been made.
Entered college at seventeen and learned of war and corruption in the world, which convicted me to the point of giving up my dream of fashion design, yet again, for a career that could better serve to make the world better, closer to peace and justice.
Shortly after turning 21, I quit my full-time job and full-time schooling to move to San Francisco and pursue a career in art and fashion.
Upon arriving in San Francisco, I entered into an apprenticeship with the Escobar Brothers Custom Tailor Shop in the financial district of downtown San Francisco.
Here I spent 8 years learning how to operate a brick-and-mortar storefront, handle client relations, measure the body, choose and cut fabric, and sew garments.
In 2013, I left Escobar Brothers Custom Tailoring to embark on a new journey that would lead me to start my own business of creating custom garments.
Started to make puletasis, dresses, and ofutinos for close family and friends.
Over the years my client base has grown locally and even across the U.S. and overseas. I am so grateful to be able to use my craft to build relationships with people and do what I love, CREATE ART & FASHION.
Around 2016 I created Haute Polynesia to umbrella my business of creating custom garments and designing looks for my clients.
I have been able to design and create looks for people over the years, as well as serve community group events, and showcase at local fashion shows.
In 2019, I started to incorporate graphic designs and digital art onto ready-made garments. This is another aspect of art that I tapped into to be able to expand my skills as an artist and provide an aesthetic for the community at a shorter waiting period.
Haute Polynesia will continue to grow and expand. My hope is to learn more about the cultures of Polynesia and incorporate the knowledge into my creations for people to use and enjoy today and for years to come. Fashion and style has always intrigued me because I see it as a way to merge art and clothing.
The way we feel, the details we enjoy, the things and people who effect us play a part in the way we adorn and beautify ourselves. Haute Polynesia will always be an avenue for aiding people when they are compelled to beautify themselves.
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