Today we’d like to introduce you to Mokiana Tauteoli
Hi Mokiana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Mokiana Kamisese Tauteoli, and I was born and raised in San Bruno, California, to parents who immigrated from Tonga, a small island in the South Pacific. Growing up, my parents spoke Tongan as their primary language and English as their second. They moved to the United States in search of better opportunities for our family. In the Bay Area, we were part of a close-knit Polynesian community, balancing the American dream while staying rooted in our Tongan culture.
Education was a cornerstone in our upbringing. My parents made sure that every day after school, we would head to the library to do homework and read before going home for dinner. Even during summer, time spent in the library was essential. Eventually, I graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Business Management. During my final year, I worked as a library aide, which sparked my passion for books and literacy.
After graduation, I moved to Utah to begin my career working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There, I found myself surrounded by talented individuals with a love for writing for various audiences. Though I didn’t see myself as a writer at first, the idea lingered in the back of my mind.
In 2018, I married my husband, Chris, who is also Tongan. When our first child was born in 2019, I realized there were very few children’s books representing Tongan culture and language. This sparked my interest in self-publishing and led to the creation of My Little Tongan, a series of children’s board books in both Tongan and English. What started as a small project for family and friends grew beyond our expectations when we shared it on social media in 2020, and the response was overwhelming.
My Little Tongan evolved into more than just books. It became a community that included people of all ethnicities, united by the goal of instilling the polynesian culture in our children. It bridged the gap between generations and brought a sense of unity, inspiring others to publish their own works and preserve their heritage through literature.
Since then, we have published five language books and one special book dedicated to Polynesian children on the autism spectrum, inspired by our daughters, Mapeli and Letele.
Now, I am a mother, wife, self-publisher, and project manager, juggling all these roles in our busy lives—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Having a family while being able to pursue both our professional and creative passions has been a true blessing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road becoming a self-publisher. One of the main challenges has been researching and ensuring the accuracy of the Tongan language in our books. The language has evolved over the years, and there are variations in terms, which sometimes causes differing opinions on what is considered correct. After receiving feedback, we made it a point to keep the language as simple and accessible as possible.
Another significant challenge has been managing the business while raising four children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum, all while my husband and I both work full-time. Balancing our professional lives, parenting, and running My Little Tongan can be overwhelming, but we’re grateful for the support of our parents and siblings, who help whenever they can.
We’ve been impressed with My Little Tongan, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, My Little Tongan, is born from a deep love for our Tongan heritage and a desire to share it with others. We create children’s board books that celebrate and preserve the Tongan language and culture through bilingual stories in both Tongan and English. Our mission is to help families reconnect with their roots while making our rich culture approachable for everyone.
What sets My Little Tongan apart is that it’s more than just a collection of books; it’s a community. We’ve built a platform where individuals from various backgrounds can unite around the goal of passing on cultural knowledge to the next generation. Our books promote unity, bridge generational gaps, and inspire families to celebrate their unique heritage.
As self-publishers, we take immense pride in creating everything from scratch. The characters in our stories are based on real family members—my parents, children, nieces, and nephews—making the narratives deeply personal. It warms my heart to see Polynesian children reflected in the illustrations, empowering them to realize they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
We are also dedicated to raising awareness and fostering acceptance for children on the autism spectrum. As young parents navigating this journey ourselves, we understand the joys and challenges that come with raising special needs children. Through our books, we aim to create a supportive community where families can connect and share experiences.
One of my greatest joys has been witnessing our impact on encouraging others to share their own stories and publish their own books. Amidst the busyness of life, My Little Tongan has become a cherished creative outlet. Collaborating with my family on the illustrations, design, and editing has turned each project into a heartfelt endeavor.
I want our readers to know that our brand embodies inclusivity and the celebration of diversity. While we focus on Tongan culture, we warmly welcome all families who wish to instill a sense of cultural pride in their children. Our books are designed not only to help little ones develop language skills but also to foster a sense of belonging and identity. We’ve expanded our offerings to include a special book dedicated to Polynesian children on the autism spectrum, inspired by my daughters.
Ultimately, My Little Tongan is about family, culture, and community. We are passionate about creating resources that help bridge the gap between generations. With many exciting ideas for the future, we look forward to sharing our culture and stories through new projects and books, all infused with love and empathy.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking has always been a complex yet essential part of my journey. I believe that growth often lies outside of our comfort zones, and embracing risks can lead to new opportunities and experiences. While I wouldn’t classify myself as a reckless risk-taker, I’ve learned to approach risks with thoughtful consideration.
One of the major risks I took was deciding to self-publish My Little Tongan. Leaving behind the safety of a traditional publishing route meant stepping into the unknown, navigating the complexities of writing, designing, and marketing books on my own. It was intimidating to put my work out there, especially knowing that there was a chance it might not resonate with readers. However, the desire to share our Tongan culture and language motivated me to push through the fear.
Another significant risk has been balancing my business with raising four children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum, while working full-time. It’s a delicate juggling act that can be overwhelming at times, but I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictability of life and the opportunities it brings. I’ve discovered that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, not just for myself, but for my family as well.
Ultimately, my perspective on risk is that it’s a necessary part of pursuing dreams and making meaningful contributions to the world. Taking calculated risks can lead to incredible rewards, whether in personal growth, building a community, or inspiring others to celebrate their cultural heritage. Each risk I’ve taken has taught me valuable lessons, and I continue to approach new challenges with an open heart and a willingness to learn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mylittletongan.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylittletongan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mylittletongan
Image Credits
Anthony Fakatou
Kalena Vea- PureProductions
