Our Story
Rooted in Heritage. Woven with Purpose.
Ha'Ani Tautua Designs was born from the intersection of two Pacific Islander cultures, a shared love of artistry, and an unshakeable commitment to uplifting the women who carry those traditions forward.
The Meaning Behind the Name
Chamorro
Ha'Ani
"Day / The Light of Day"
In Chamorro, Ha'Ani speaks to illumination — the dawning of a new day, the light that reveals what has always been there. It is a word that carries hope, renewal, and the promise that each sunrise brings a fresh opportunity to honor who we are.
Samoan
Tautua
"Service / To Serve with Honor"
In Samoan culture, Tautua is one of the highest callings — to serve your family, your community, and your people with humility and dedication. It is not servitude; it is sacred stewardship of the bonds that hold a people together.
Together, Ha'Ani Tautua — 'The Light of Service' — captures everything this brand stands for: illuminating Pacific Islander culture through garments crafted in the spirit of devoted service to community, heritage, and the women who carry both forward.
Our Mission
Clothing That Carries Culture
We believe clothing is never just fabric. Every Puletasi, every ʻIe Faitaga, every piece bearing our tribal designs is a declaration — that Pacific Islander culture is alive, is beautiful, and deserves to be worn with pride in every room, at every table, on every stage.
Ha'Ani Tautua Designs exists to create garments that honor the artistry of our ancestors while empowering the women of today. We are not recreating the past — we are carrying it forward, stitch by stitch, into a future where Pacific Islander women are seen, celebrated, and elevated.
Heritage First
Every design decision begins with cultural respect. We research, consult, and honor the traditions that inspire our work.
Women-Led
Founded by two Pacific Islander women, built to uplift Pacific Islander women — in our designs, our community, and our business practices.
Custom Craftsmanship
We believe every woman deserves garments made for her body, her story, and her occasion — not mass-produced approximations.
Community Over Competition
We actively support and collaborate with other Pacific Islander artisans, designers, and community organizations.
The Women Behind the Vision
Meet Our Founders
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Samoan Heritage
Joleen Taase
Co-Founder & Creative Director
Joleen Taase grew up surrounded by the rhythms of Samoan culture — the music, the dance, the intricate patterns of siapo bark cloth, and the deep communal bonds of fa'asamoa, the Samoan way of life. From an early age, she understood that clothing was not merely decoration but a living expression of identity and belonging.
As Creative Director, Joleen leads the design vision for Ha'Ani Tautua, translating traditional Samoan motifs and the spirit of tautua into contemporary silhouettes that Pacific Islander women can wear with pride in any setting. Her work is guided by a single question: does this garment make a woman feel like herself?
"When a woman puts on one of our pieces and stands a little taller, that is tautua — that is service fulfilled."
Chamorro Heritage
Bernice Flores-Che
Co-Founder & Operations Director
Bernice Flores-Che carries the spirit of Chamorro resilience in everything she builds. Raised with a deep reverence for the traditions of Guam and the broader Micronesian community, Bernice has spent her career bridging cultural preservation with practical empowerment — ensuring that heritage is not just remembered but actively lived.
As Operations Director, Bernice ensures that every custom order, every community partnership, and every business decision reflects the values of Ha'Ani: transparency, care, and an unwavering commitment to the women they serve. She is the steady hand that turns vision into reality.
"Ha'Ani means the light of day — and every morning I wake up to build this, I feel that light. We are doing something that matters."
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Coming Soon
Portrait coming soon
Begin Your Journey
Wear Your Heritage
Whether you are looking for a custom piece for a special occasion or exploring our ready-to-wear collections, we would be honored to create something meaningful for you.