I am honored to share with you the inspiring story of my mother, Moeata. A woman who embodies the resilience, strength and beauty of Polynesian culture in my opinion.
A Childhood in the Heart of the Tuamotus
Born in Papeete in 1960, my mother, Charlyne Moeata Maifano Citot, grew up in an environment where art and culture were an integral part of daily life. Her father, Nouveau Alfred, worked on a boat that sailed through the islands.
Her mother, Teretia iti tevahine Heipua Faau Maifano, was a professional dancer and actress, known on stage as Suzanne. She had the honor of starring in the famous film "Mutiny on the Bounty" alongside Marlon Brando, as one of the front dancers with the lead actress, Tarita, a great friend.
An Education Rich in Values
At birth, her mother entrusted her to her sister Mihimere and her maternal grandparents. They raised her with strict but fair principles, transmitting to her the essential values of life. Their education taught her to appreciate the strength of family ties, respect for others, and the importance of our history. They instilled in her a sense of genealogy, making sure to never forget her roots.
Growing up in the Tuamotus was not always easy. Resources were limited, and boats only supplied the atoll once a month.
During the summer holidays, they would go and harvest copra on another atoll, Haraiki, and the evenings were punctuated by the stories and legends that their grandmother told them about Makemo.
She carefully preserves these stories, now asked to pass them on to schools in the community.
The Strength of Family
Raised with her cousins Teretia, Tina, and her cousin Turia, our family was united by an unwavering love. Although they were not rich, their grandparents showered them with love and taught them important life lessons like loving one another, saving money, and always being careful. They also took care to teach them our genealogy, always reminding us where we came from.
A Path Strewn with Pitfalls
It was at the age of 18 that she had to interrupt her studies to return to the atoll and help her family. But her determination did not weaken. She then returned to Tahiti to look for a job, working as a cleaning lady to finance her nursing training, while continuing to dance in her aunt's group because yes Tahitian dance is an integral part of her life, indeed it is an art that goes beyond a simple activity, it is a tradition for us, we live with it every day in Tahiti and in the islands.
International Tours
This passion for dance eventually led her to the international stage. She had the opportunity to dance with famous groups and travel to New Zealand, China and Japan. Back in Tahiti, she joined Coco Temaeva's group and later, the Heimaire group, where she shared the stage with her cousin Rosina. Together, they celebrated the beauty of our dance and the richness of our culture with pride.
A New Greatness in France
It was with my birth that her path took a new turn, because she met my father Pascal, born in Chatelaillon doing his military service in Tahiti who would become her husband, because yes having a child changes a destiny, and I know that my birth changed that of my parents very young at my birth.
Later, they decided by mutual agreement for their daughter to come and live in France in order to bring her comfort, things that she had missed so much.
Arriving in mainland France was a culture shock.
The coats and cold temperatures were foreign to a Polynesian woman accustomed to the heat.
Despite the challenges, resilient by nature, she adapts and learns to appreciate her new life, while preserving her roots and her passion for dance.
A Life Full of Challenges and Successes
In France, in the 90s, she founded a Polynesian association, HEITIARE, where she shares her skills and cultural experience. The most important thing for her is all the meetings with other Tahitians who share her values.
Her story, like that of so many other women, is filled with challenges, but also moments of beauty, success, and a precious legacy. The values her grandparents passed down to her helped her overcome obstacles and pass those teachings on to her children and grandchildren.
A Legacy to Pass On
Today, as the creator of my own beauty brand, Hawaikii, I want to not only honor my mother and my heritage, but also inspire other women. Every product tells a story, every scent brings back a memory. It’s all a celebration of our culture, our strength, and our authentic beauty.
My mother’s story is an inspiration to me and to all those who face challenges along the way. I am proud to carry her legacy, and I am committed to passing on the values and stories that have shaped my life.
Thank you, Mom, for all the lessons and love you have given me. Your light continues to shine through me and everything I do. Together, let us honor our culture and celebrate the stories of extraordinary women.
🌺 With love,
Nelly by Hawaikii