About Us
Mālō e lelei! We are the Lotulelei family--founder (Mosese), co-founder (Tiffany), and inspiration (Mana) of Tiny Tongan Treasures, LLC (established 2020).
With the hopes of teaching our son the Tongan language and culture (lea mo e anga Faka-Tonga) and limited resources available, we decided to connect with scholars in the Tongan community and create Tongan children's books, products, and language learning resources.
Mosese graduated with a B.S. in business management and is currently pursuing his MBA. His parents migrated to the U.S. before he was born and primarily spoke English to them at home. After visiting Tonga in 2016, he felt inspired to make a greater effort to connect with his roots. Now learning the language himself, he brings the passion and vision behind the business to empower parents to share the indigenous language and knowledge with their children. He is the creative brains behind the book ideas and marketing as well as the technical side of running the business.
Tiffany studied the Tongan language and began developing a deep appreciation and respect for the culture while serving an 18 month mission in Tonga. Following her time there, she taught Tongan in various settings for 3 years and then taught English as a second language online to children. Tiffany is behind a lot of the language helps, initial book translations, and coordinating with our editors, illustrator, and manufacturer. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy.
We couldn't do this without our team! A big MĀLŌ 'AUPITO to Eric B. Shumway (Matapule/Language Expert, Editor), Mele Taumoepeau (Tongan Educator, Editor), Tēvita Lotulelei (Moses' father, Voice for Audio and Initial Feedback), Emily Pinnock (Lived in Tonga, Illustrator) Mele'ofa Motuliki (Mother living in Tonga, Initial Feedback), our families for their encouragement and support, and all of you for the love and support you show us!
Stay updated by following our Instagram and Facebook pages (tinytongantreasures) or contact us with any questions at TinyTonganTreasures@gmail.com.