Meet Noeleen Tuala

What are you doing/where are now?

Noeleen is the Founder of PELE Baby which designs and produces Polynesian baby and homeware products. The products are designed in collaboration with local Pasifika artists and those designs are then produced and sold. She also co-owns a business that produces bilingual stationery – in Samoan/English and Tongan/English.

What’s your journey to where you are now?

Duffy helped me with my journey. Reading was always one of my favourite things and was one of my strong suits (along with English and spelling). I have fond memories of Duffy from my childhood and I always looked forward to the visits from Duffy and the books we’d get to take home. This strong start in reading and literacy has helped me ever since primary school. This along with a teacher who always saw the potential in me has helped me to where I am today.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give Duffy kids today?

Never give up on your dreams or on yourself. Arm yourself with reading because reading is knowledge and knowledge is power.

Your favourite book or book series and why?

My favourite books as a kid were the Babysitters Club and I really enjoy reading autobiographies. I wish I’d been able to read more books with a Pasifika perspective/heritage. A series I’ve really enjoyed with a Pasifika focus are the books by Jill MacGregor of Pacific stories – they have kid friendly information on different Pacific islands. I’m currently reading Teine Sāmoa by Dahlia Malaeulu and Jane Green’s Jemima J.