Hinatea Boosie: Tracing an “Anuanua” within her Community and Beyond.
Interview HINATEA BOOSIE – 10-minute read.
Hinatea Boosie is a dynamic force in the promotion of Polynesian culture, blending her diverse experiences as an entrepreneur, creative, and cultural ambassador. Through her agency, Ora, she captures the essence of her heritage, connecting people and showcasing the beauty of the Polynesian islands. From fashion collaborations to community initiatives, Hinatea’s commitment to authenticity and empowerment resonates deeply in a world increasingly craving genuine connections. This article explores her journey, highlighting her innovative spirit, resilience, and the profound impact she has on both her community and the global stage.
“Proud to be Polynesian”:
Hinatea serves as a passionate cultural ambassador, dedicating herself to the representation and promotion of Polynesian culture through her various endeavours. By blending traditional values with modern lifestyles, she connects the richness of the Polynesian islands lifestyle to a global audience.
Reflecting on her time as Miss Tahiti in 2008, she fondly remembers the impactful slogan “Proud to be Polynesian,” which she fully adopted at just 19. This heritage remains the cornerstone of her identity, influencing both her parenting and career choices. By engaging in various forms of media and production, she promotes her culture and also educates others about its profoundness, ensuring that the timeless essence of Polynesia resonates in today’s contemporary world.
Know Yourself!
Hinatea’s background in psychology plays a significant role in shaping her approach to personal growth and empowerment, both for herself and for the women she inspires. Drawing on her understanding of human behaviour and emotional resilience, she navigates challenges such as a serious car accident in Bali and the heartbreaking experience of miscarriage. These hardships served as pivotal moments in her journey of self-discovery, pushing her to embrace vulnerability and understand her strengths and limitations better. By sharing her story, she empowers other women to face their own struggles with honesty and courage. Hinatea promotes self-awareness as a foundation for genuine empowerment, in the establishment of her guesthouse in Teahupoo, she has created a nurturing space for self-development, hosting yoga retreats to meet other women on their spiritual paths toward more self-consciousness.
“No one studies Psychology by chance, there’s a need for healing ourselves by healing others, it also provides good tools to understand ourselves and one another.”
Thirst for Exploration and Creation:
Just as her ancestors set sail across vast oceans to discover new lands and connect cultures, Hinatea embarks on her own journeys driven by her passion and her creativity to live an exciting and fulfilling life. Throughout her diverse ventures—whether modeling for brands like Roxy and Aloha Collection, working as a television presenter, assisting a local chef, or developing a guesthouse—Hinatea Boosie has consistently prioritized her connection with people. This connection led her to discover a project that beautifully merges fashion, creativity, and collaboration: the creation of a production agency. As she continues to explore new opportunities, these experiences have forged her into an intuitive and resourceful entrepreneur.
“Finally, I embraced the challenge that Moehau presented by opening the Eimeo store in Hawaii, despite underestimating the stress and workload involved. It turned out to be incredibly formative, and I truly enjoyed launching the project.”
Motherhood and Work-life Balance:
Hinatea balances the challenges of motherhood with her eclectic career, approaching both roles with determination and self-compassion. While managing her time between various projects and being an attentive mother tests her resilience, she finds profound joys and invaluable lessons in her interactions with her son. Hinatea views motherhood as a powerful source of motivation that fuels her ambition and honours these family times like treasures. Despite feeling torn between her roles and acknowledging that she is not the perfect mother she once envisioned, she strives to embrace her parenting journey. Now two years old, her son is her greatest teacher, continuously surprising her like no one else can, deepening their bond and revealing the beauty and chaos of their relationship, which she likens to a beautiful storm in the night sky partly lit with lightnings_intense and beautiful.
“Tokihi pulls me back into a routine that feels awkward to me. I’ve always been a free spirit, and having a child means I must establish routines for his well-being.”
We are Ora:
While her interests have shifted more towards communication and media, she remains dedicated to sharing the natural beauty and rich cultural authenticity of the islands on the international stage. This dedication led to the creation of Ora, an agency that combines modeling and production.
Initially overwhelmed by the challenges of managing young models, Hinatea refocused her efforts on her true passion: producing stunning photo shoots and campaigns that celebrate her “fenua” (:land). Her collaborations with brands like Eimeo reinforce her commitment to honour the elegance and beauty of Polynesian women, highlighting her core values of authenticity and naturalness. As Ora continues to evolve, it is growing into “We Are Ora,” a collective of professionals committed to capturing and preserving the essence of Polynesia.
“The essence of my work lies in capturing moments and connecting people to create magic. It required me to explore various creative roles, ultimately leading to the creation of my agency, Ora, and soon evolving into “We are Ora”.”
Role on Digital Media:
Our local influencer leverages digital media as a powerful vehicle for storytelling, branding, and audience engagement, amplifying her voice and the cultural richness of Polynesia. Her strong personality and unwavering urge to express herself give her the strength to persevere in sharing her stories freely, even in the face of criticism and distortion from detractors. Through her active social media presence, she shares authentic insights into her life, professional projects, and topical issues while promoting her fashion collaborations and community initiatives. Her strategic use of digital media not only strengthens her personal brand but also facilitates dialogue, bridging her culture with a global community eager to connect with her message.
In conclusion, Hinatea’s impact extends far beyond herself; she reinforces the power of storytelling, creativity, and community in an increasingly interconnected world. Her journey is a testament to the power of living authentically and the transformative potential that comes from embracing one’s true identity, encouraging others to do the same as they navigate their paths in life.