“My journey from a small village in Samoa to where I am today reminds me every day why I do this to show those kids that someone sees them, someone believes in them, and that their dreams matter” Junior Tiatia.
In life, we often draw back on past experiences that were life altering to shape where we are today.
Such is the case for Junior Tiatia, a barber and support worker who now resides in Australia. Tiatia recently returned back home from a trip to Samoa for the Teuila Tag Tournament donating boots and rugby gears.
During his visit, he also volunteered his time to coach the Cazuals Sports Club Tag Team. A local sports club he devotes most of his time and effort towards.
Unlike most big brand names, influencers and celebrities, Tiatia gives what he can mostly from his pocket and with the help of those he reaches out to. With no formal backing or funding, Tiatia reaches out to people interested in helping out with his initiative.
A mindset he saw first hand growing up in Samoa.
“I was born in a small village called Tiavea Uta, about an hour away from the city in Samoa. It was there that my parents were first appointed as church ministers. Life was humble, we didn’t have much, but we had faith, family, and community” Tiatia said.
“I used to sell mangos during my primary school days just to make a bit of money, and there were days when all I had was bread and butter for breakfast and lunch before heading off to school. Those experiences shaped me, they taught me resilience and made me appreciate the little things in life”
Before moving to Australia, Tiatia ran his barbershop Craft Studio 03 in Christchurch. It was here he developed relationships with rugby union and league players who he continues to keep in contact with.
His time in Christchurch was an eye opening experience for him, where he was able to look back on how far he had come.
“Owning a business made me reflect on how far I’d come from those early days in Samoa. It gave me a deeper sense of purpose and inspired me to do more for the next generation so they could have opportunities I didn’t”
“I never imagined I would come this far, but I saw firsthand the sacrifices my parents made to ensure we had opportunities.I remember my nana carrying me on her back across the river just so I could get to school. Those memories are reminders of the love, faith, and perseverance that shaped me”
Earlier this year, Team Samoa had travelled to Australia for a tag tournament. Through his connections with sports players, Tiatia was able to organise training gear and necessities needed for the team.
He also reached out to those who were able to chip in for groceries to help with Team Samoa’s daily needs and meals.
“Approaching players and companies to ask for support felt daunting, because you never know how people might respond. But that nervousness quickly shifted once I realized I wasn’t asking on behalf of myself’
“I was advocating for young athletes in Samoa who deserve opportunities and resources”
And although there were some challenges getting the word out for help, it’s the faces and smiles of the young people in Samoa that remind Tiatia of who he does it for.
“You see the smiles, the excitement in their eyes, and you realize that something as simple as a pair of boots or some gear can mean the world to them. Back home, resources are limited, and many young players are running around barefoot or sharing boots between teammates”
“When they receive something of their own, there’s this deep appreciation. For me, that moment is priceless — it reminds me why I started this journey of giving back in the first place”
Tiatia also hopes it can inspire Samoans overseas to assist or give back to the local community.
“Giving back does not have to be a grand gesture; even the smallest contribution can make a significant difference. Whether it is a pair of boots, a word of encouragement, or a few hours of someone’s time, every effort adds value to the lives of our people back home” he said.
“As a community, we are known for our generosity and big hearts. If more of us committed to giving back in any way we can, the collective impact would be transformative — not only in sport, but across all aspects of community life in Samoa”
The plan now is to create a platform to get the reach and word out to more people who are able to assist him in his journey of giving back.
.”This is just the beginning. I want to establish a system that allows those who have achieved success abroad to give back to the next generation, ensuring that the cycle of support continues and grows stronger year after”
“I’m truly so blessed by God to be used as a vessel to bless others. Everything I have, every opportunity, and every gift comes from Him alone. My true calling isn’t about what I can gain for myself but about how I can pour back into others. Helping people whether it’s through giving, encouraging, or simply being present is where I find my greatest joy”
