Meet the Team
Dressed by Masiofo by Sabra
Malia Anitele’a - Founder & Director
Malia hails from the villages of Faleapuna, Vaivase, Leulumoega Tuai, and Mulifanua. Despite growing up between Ōtautahi (NZ) and the Gold Coast (AU), Malia’s faith and life journey has led her to rediscover & embrace her Samoan heritage.
In 2020, she was dressed by Masiofo by Sabra in Brisbane (AU) for a music video, deepening her connection to her Samoan identity and cultivating within her a profound respect for traditional attire craftsmanship.
Since being adorned in a Tuiga fau and traditional laei for the first time and as a tama’ita’i Samoa in the diaspora, Malia was inspired to share her experience. As a result, the mission of Ata Mai Creative is to make this experience accessible to those in Ōtautahi and across Aotearoa and Australasia. She aims to share this cultural wealth, especially with those who may not have the privilege of inheriting measina needed for cultural garments.
Malia is both the visionary and gatherer of our Ata Mai village, overseeing all aspects of the business, as well as serving as one of our photographers.
Dressed by Masiofo by Sabra
Christian Anitele’a - Head Stylist
Christian is the creative genius behind the original designs of our handmade measina. He is a key member of Team Ata Mai and is heavily involved in the creation and dressing process of our traditional attire.
His eye for detail is unmatched. Bringing his impressive skills and experience from creating artwork in the kitchen as a Pastry Chef for almost a decade, Christian is a heaven-send for Ata Mai Creative.
We are blessed to have him and his artistry in our team!
Mercy Seiuli - Marketing & Media
Mercy, a proud tama’ita’i Samoa from the villages of Pata Falelatai and Sapunaoa Falealili, is an avid creative with a background in graphic design and digital media. Her commitment to graphic design and marketing, combined with her passion for photography and videography, has inspired her to become an integral part of the Ata Mai Creative family.
Within the team, Mercy's primary focus will be on enhancing the marketing and photography facets of Ata Mai Creative, spearheading exciting projects that will broaden the scope of our offerings as a business.
She adds so much strength to our team and brings a wealth of qualifications to the table, including a Diploma in Creative Digital Design, a Diploma in Web & Graphic Design, and a Certificate in Digital Media.
We are stoked that she is doing the journey with us!
Victoria Anitele’a - Media
As the youngest member of the team, Victoria is a creative in her own right and has already gained much respect for her impressive photography skills. Self-taught and passionate about capturing special moments that will last forever, she is an esteemed and valuable member of Team Ata Mai Creative.
Victoria is one of our three photographers as well as one of our social media content creators here at Ata Mai Creative.
We love the infectious joy Toria brings to our team and to the spaces we have the privilege of providing our services to!