1. Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to start your business?

   I’m Koto, and I’m passionate about preserving and celebrating our Fijian culture. I’ve been a Masi artisan for more than 25 years and in the handicraft industry for over 15 years. Growing up, I was surrounded by the beauty and meaning of traditional Masi, shared by my great-grandmothers, grandmothers, and my late mother. I watched my elders create each piece with such care—each design telling a story and carrying generations of knowledge and identity.

2. What values or vision guided your business?

   What inspired me to start this business was a deep desire to keep that tradition and my late mother’s legacy (Makereta Matemosi – Fiji Airways logo designer) alive—not just within our community, but to share it with the world in a respectful and authentic way. I wanted to create something that honors our heritage, supports our local artisans, and allows people everywhere to connect with the beauty of our culture. Every piece of Masi I offer is not just art – it’s a piece of our history, our pride, and our voice.

• What values or vision guide your business? 

  Matemosi Masi Artisan is guided by a deep respect for culture, community, and craftsmanship. At the heart of everything we do are these core values:

• Cultural Integrity: We are committed to honoring the traditional methods and meanings behind Masi-making. Every design, pattern, and process reflects the beauty and stories of our elders.
• Authenticity: Every piece we produce is handmade with care, using authentic materials and traditional techniques passed down through generations.
• Empowerment: We aim to uplift and support local artisans—especially women—by creating opportunities for sustainable income and skill-sharing within our communities.
• Sustainability: We believe in protecting both our culture and the environment, so we focus on using natural, renewable, and eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods.
• Connection: Our vision is to bridge generations and cultures by sharing the beauty and meaning of Masi with the world—helping people feel connected to their roots, their heritage, or simply to something deeply meaningful.

4. What products or services do you offer? 

   Matemosi Masi Artisans offers a range of handcrafted Masi (tapa cloth) products that celebrate traditional Fijian art and culture. Our offerings include:

• Custom Masi designs – personalized pieces for weddings, birthdays, graduations, and special occasions. Each one tells a unique story through traditional patterns.

• Home décor – framed Masi artwork, wall hangings, and table runners, perfect for bringing cultural elegance into any space.

• Wearable art – Masi-inspired accessories such as jewelry, scarves, and traditional garments for ceremonies or everyday wear.

• Cultural gifts – small, meaningful gift items made with authentic Masi, ideal for souvenirs, corporate gifts, or cultural appreciation.

• Workshops & cultural education – hands-on workshops and presentations for schools, organizations, and events, sharing the history, meaning, and process of Masi-making.

Every item is handmade with care, using traditional techniques and sustainable materials, supporting local artisans and keeping our cultural practices alive.

5. What makes your business unique compared to others?

   Matemosi Masi Artisans is unique in the industry because of its commitment to authenticity, cultural integrity, and innovation. Unlike mass-produced or tourist-style Masi, every piece we create is handcrafted using traditional methods. We use natural dyes, hand-beaten bark cloth, and authentic motifs that reflect our heritage. We also bring something fresh—we collaborate with local artists and fashion designers to create modern Masi applications in clothing, home décor, and art pieces, bridging tradition and contemporary culture. This balance of authenticity and creativity is what makes our Masi truly unique.

6. How does your business contribute to sustainability (e.g. reducing waste, offering eco-friendly alternatives)? 

   We contribute to sustainability by honoring both the environment and our cultural heritage. We use natural, renewable materials like bark cloth sourced from the paper mulberry tree, which regenerates quickly and is harvested responsibly. All dyes and pigments are made from organic, plant-based sources, avoiding harmful chemicals. In addition to using eco-friendly materials, our process is zero-waste: every piece of bark is used, and offcuts are repurposed into smaller products such as bookmarks, jewelry, or decorative items. We also minimize packaging and use biodegradable or recycled materials wherever possible. 

   Beyond environmental practices, we focus on cultural sustainability by preserving traditional techniques and passing them on to younger generations. By supporting local artisans with fair wages and skills training, we help ensure that the knowledge and livelihoods tied to Masi-making continue into the future.

7. What is your vision for the future of your business? 

   Our vision is to grow Matemosi Masi Artisans into a leading cultural and creative brand that honors tradition while embracing innovation. We aim to expand our reach internationally while staying deeply rooted in local values and sustainability. We will:

• Train and empower the next generation of Masi artists through community workshops and apprenticeship programs.

• Expand our product line to include Masi-inspired fashion, home décor, and modern art pieces while preserving authentic techniques.

• Build a strong online presence and e-commerce platform so customers around the world can access ethically made, culturally rich Masi products.

• Partner with museums, schools, and cultural institutions to educate people about the meaning and history of Masi.

• Lead sustainable production by innovating with eco-friendly methods, natural materials, and zero-waste practices.

Ultimately, we see Matemosi Masi Artisans as more than just a brand or product—it’s a movement to preserve cultural identity, empower communities, and bring the beauty of tradition into the future.

8. How do you see your work contributing to a more sustainable Pacific? 

   I see my work as part of a larger movement toward a more sustainable, self-reliant, and culturally grounded Pacific. Through my Masi business, I contribute by protecting the environment, preserving cultural identity, supporting local economies, educating and inspiring others, and leading by example.