Born and raised in the village of Amouli, American Samoa, Duseigneur is the youngest of 8. His parents worked hard every day to make sure he had the best life he could have; when he was 24 he moved to Seattle, Washington to return the favor of providing for his family. He loves his siblings fiercely and his parents are his heroes. Duseigneur takes after his father in his faith, being a provider and his loyalty to those he loves. He is an amazing husband and father who respects his culture deeply. He is working hard to raise his sons with the values and traditions passed down by his family.

A San Diego, California native, Jimmi was raised by her single mother and the community who helped her. Although hardship was no stranger, her mom did the best she could to giver her a life she deserved. When Jimmi was nearly 12, she was blessed with a baby sister to mentor and instill the values and strength their mother taught her. Coming from a strong line of independent women who carved their way, Jimmi is proud to raise her two sons with the respect and independence she learned as a child. A loving mother, wife and nurturer, she is honoring her husband‘s and sons’ Samoan culture by using her talents to bring their language to bookshelves everywhere they are wanted.

Duseigneur and Jimmi have been connected by the Pacific Ocean since birth, long before they met. With Duseigneur hailing from American Samoa and Jimmi from San Diego, their love for the Moana serves as a constant reminder of their deep ties to their roots and to each other. Upon discovering a lack of Samoan board books when they learned they were expecting their first pepe, they set out to create them for their growing aiga.

What started as a passion project driven by a deep desire to have Samoan board books in their home has blossomed into a beautiful community of like-minded parents and caregivers who want the same for their tamaiti. From our aiga to yours, fa'afetai tele lava.