For close to five decades, the villagers of Tufulele have relied on their ula-moso'oi (garlands) business, to provide an income for their families and help send their children to school.

It has become a way of life for some of the villagers who live on the island of Upolu. 

Tufulele native, Suia’i Ivaoloapo said the garlands business is now the norm for many families and continues to be the major income earner.

The 43-year-old father of three believes that this has helped many in the village survive and most families in Tufulele are involved either full-time or part-time. 

He said while growing up they would help their parents sell ula-moso'oi to tourists in town and at the old airport.

“We sell this ula-moso'oi for $5 each and over 30 to 40 each night. At the end of every busy night, we come home with an amount to put food on the table the next day,” he said.

“My family, neighbours, and most men of our village go together to sell our ula-moso'oi for money. It is one of the quickest ways for finding money and fares for our children every week and the fastest to get money for the family's fa’alavelave."

Mr. Ivaoloapo said all ula-moso'oi and ula-tequila come from Tufulele’s fresh flowers. The community is well-known for this craft and Government offices and private companies place their order when they have big events. 

“They always order three to four days before the event takes place. Most days we deliver them early in the morning to the Samoa Tourism Authority’s main office or to the officials waiting at the venue,” he said.

“Before the pandemic and when we used to celebrate Samoa's Independence, the officials used to order hundreds of ula-moso'oi for overseas invites like the former prime minister of New Zealand and many other dignitaries. Independence is a month away now and we hope to get an order from the Government as we have done for the past 10 years.”

While the Government-sanctioned events have become a source of income for the villagers, the community also looks forward to the end of the year when schools have their graduation.

“It is so great to see our handmade ula-moso'oi worn by guests on television and also the duxes of all colleges and universities of Samoa. We feel proud,” he said.

Mr. Ivaoloapo and his wife are able to support their family and have also maintained a legacy that was practiced by his forefathers.