Kia Ora
My "WHY" is to inspire connection, culture and innovation through Polynesian art.
My name is Samuel Mangakahia, people call me Sam or you may know me by my Instagram handle @hamiora.at. I come from an artistic family where we all love to create. I was born in Queensland, Australia. I grew up on the sunshine coast in a little town called Noosa. I've lived all over including NZ, Korean and Hawaii. Growing up we moved around a lot but I always felt at home when I was close to the ocean. Having lived in Hawai'i now for 5 years this is home for me.
In 2016 I moved to Hawaii to study graphic design, painting and entrepreneurship at BYU-Hawaii on an I work scholarship.
During my years at BYU-H I performed Kapa Haka at the Polynesian Cultural Center and completed an internship in 2019 with a well known Māori artist, Rangi Kipa in New Plymouth, Taranaki. I can honestly say that was a big turning point for me in understanding who I am and what my purpose is, especially as a Māori.
Among all the classes and extra activities I focused on refining and developing my company Hamiora. I wanted to create a platform and a brand where people can come to connect to culture through beautiful art and innovation. I am still in the very beginning stages of my journey but theres not one day that passes that I don't think about how to improve my craft.
My art tells people's story through Tā Moko (Māori tattoo) or indigenous design. I have been customising these two instruments since the age of 15 years. I started my journey when I was living in Melbourne city, Australia. What was once a hobby is now a full time hustle where I get to share my art all around the world and meet amazing people.
My "WHY" is what motivates me to keep creating, keep innovating and keep reaching out and up. I'm constantly inspired by the world around me and the people I meet.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I'll be working on putting up more info about me later on. Stay tuned and if there is anything you want to know specificaly, feel free to contact me via email.
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?"