Akanesi Kaufusi, also known as Akanesi Tohotoa, a Tongan native, embodies resilience and vision, having transformed her personal challenges into a pioneering business venture. Akanesi moved from Tonga to New Zealand to further her studies, where she earned degrees in Business and Theology. During this period, she faced difficulties locating Pacific Island-owned businesses in her vicinity. This struggle planted the seed for what would become her groundbreaking initiative.
Her challenges persisted when she relocated to Sydney, Australia, four years ago. Once again, she found it hard to access Pacific Island products and services. This recurring issue led Akanesi to conceive Siuhuu, an online marketplace designed to connect Pacific Islanders globally with their cultural products and services.
Akanesi’s journey from Tonga to New Zealand and then to Australia has been marked by her determination to create a solution that benefits the broader Pacific community. Siuhuu, launched in August 2022, aims to provide a centralized, safe platform for Pacific vendors and consumers to trade unique items, such as arts, crafts, and clothing.
Leaving her job at the Bible Society to pursue her dream, Akanesi spent six months studying website development. Her hard work paid off with the successful creation of Siuhuu. The platform not only facilitates secure transactions but also addresses the risk of scams that plague informal trading spaces.
Beyond its commercial success, Akanesi envisions Siuhuu as an empowerment tool for Pacific communities, economically and culturally. The marketplace already boasts vendors from Fiji, Cook Island, New Zealand, US, Australia, with plans for further expansion.
Akanesi aims to inspire more people in the Pacific to take initiative in addressing issues within their communities. She stresses that we do not need to wait or rely on others for solutions. “We already have the knowledge and resources to solve the problems that Pacific Islanders are facing. No matter how difficult the problem may seem, there is a solution to everything, and if you believe it, you can achieve it,” she stated.
Akanesi’s commitment to safety is evident in the platform’s comprehensive terms of use and vigilant monitoring to prevent unlawful activities. All transactions are in Australian dollars, with secure payment options like Stripe and PayPal.
Feedback for Siuhuu has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting Akanesi’s optimistic outlook on its growth. She hopes that more Pacific people will embrace the platform, recognizing the opportunity to showcase their talents and sell their creations on a global stage.
A detailed article about the founder and the launch of Siuhuu can be found on Tagata Pasifika here. For more details on Siuhuu and how to join the platform, visit their website and follow them on social media.
