When Dee Uhila started Pacific Tonga – Ma'a – Tonga USA, she had a clear mission: To provide the growing Tongan community in the Peninsula with access to the treasures of their homeland. A former activist in the nonprofit sector, she decided that a business that listened closely to the community would serve it well and prosper.

 

The result is a dynamic organization that has expanded its suite of services and offerings to meet the varied needs of the entire local community:

  • Printing and Design: Dee’s team will work with you to make your dream  t-shirt and clothing design a reality, or will design one for you to your preferences. Dee’s team uses a sophisticated silk screen process that takes what you’ve written down or imagined and crisply and colorfully renders it on your desired medium, utilizing computer software when needed.

  • Samoan Puletasi: A native Samoan, Dee grew up loving the colors, textures, and patterns of Tongan dress and handicrafts. Not only does she maintain a full selection on site, but she will work with you to create authentic Pacific Islander clothing to your specifications, on a single item or on large orders for ceremonies, festivals, and other celebrations.

  • Tropical Flowers: For graduations, weddings, and church events, Dee delivers the highest quality and most exotic gardenia, maile, orchids, and leis of different colors and styles.

  • Money Transfer: Aware of how important sending money back home can be, Dee specializes in international money transfer and offers safe, reliable delivery that ensures your transaction gets there quickly and without hassle.

Remember: Just Ask Dee! She has built a business around catering to specific requests with quick turnaround. At Pacific Tonga – Ma'a – Tonga USA, it’s what you want when you want it.

 

Dee originally moved to the United States from Samoa in the 1972 and has lived in East Palo Alto since 1982. She remains a community advocate, volunteering her time as a translator for Pacific Islanders. Known around town as “Mama Dee,” community members stop by the store for advice or just a good conversation.

 

Start Up recently named Dee a 2007 Women and Company® Microenterprise Boost Program Award Recipient. This program offers distinguished local women microentrepreneurs financial support to develop their businesses. Start Up has been a constant resource for Dee, helping her to solidify her business plan for Pacific Tonga – Ma’a – Tonga USA and providing her with training and business consulting services.