We had the good fortune of connecting with Téa Elani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Téa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
In my opinion, especially as a Samoan and Black woman, everything I do is a risk. Waking up, walking out the house, falling asleep at night. And as an aspiring artist/performer, I’m surrounded by more risks than ever. Attempting to do what seems like the impossible has been a hard mental bridge to cross. The hardest part is taking that first step, believing that all the anxieties would follow me. However, I know that the pay off will last longer than the journey itself. Taking risks have always served as motivation in my life, rather than a fear of what’s to come.

As an Afakasi (Samoan word for mixed) artist, I’m stepping in territories that have yet to be built. There is a long road ahead of me, with the high possibility of creating the firsts for my culture. With a community so lightly represented, there’s a lot of pressure to do different versions of “right”. Doing the “right” thing, singing the “right” words, performing the “right” way. However, I’m learning that there is no “right” way. If anything, the “right” way is being true and honest. I strive to be a person that can be a leader with many mistakes, with imperfections that only add to who I am as a human. As an Afakasi woman.

One of my biggest risks is trusting and believing in myself, which has never left me. I’m pretty sure I believe in myself more than anyone, and that’s what really holds me down. I know what I’m worth and what I can bring to the table, and I hope that everyone around me is inspired by that. I want all of us to succeed, and take the risks that we never dreamed of doing. And although I could be one of the firsts, I don’t want to be the only. In an industry where there isn’t enough of us, it’s on us to make sure we make room, and I want to pave the way for others like me to take that risk as well.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Of all the titles I hold, the one I feel the most connected to is “Artist”. I’m currently on the road to being a Pop Star, but I’ve always seen myself doing it all. I love to make music, create visuals, edit videos, write scripts, and all kinds of content creation. I’ve always dipped my toes in different aspects, always keeping myself busy.

I grew up in a Samoan and Black household, primarily in the Bay Area. I gained all of my talent through musical theater, participating in musicals and shows throughout high school and college. I was Drama Club president, the lead dance choreographer for my high school’s Black Student Union, and I wrote, starred, and directed a web series in 2016. I was also experimenting with GarageBand, creating tunes here and there. However, there was a point where I was on the path to Broadway, auditioning for shows and preparing to travel for theater competitions. There’s always a lot on my plate.

When the Covid pandemic hit, I was at a pause. The theaters were closing, and I was stuck at home. I kept myself busy by furthering my music, striving to be the next Beyonce. I spent every day of the pandemic in my parents’ garage, recording and editing music. It became a routine during a time where everything was uncertain.

I started to see myself pursuing music entirely, with hopes to develop new opportunities along the way. I want to start with music, and eventually start acting, writing, or producing. I even see myself going back to theater some day.

February 2021, everything changed. The doors started to open rapidly. I got a publicist, made a music video, and started performing around the Bay Area. I earned the titled “The Polynesian Princess”, due to my pop artistry, tropical aesthetic, and pride in my culture. I made it a mission to include my Samoan and Black heritage into my art, hoping to be the representation I didn’t have growing up.

I always ask everyone, “Who is your favorite Polynesian Pop Star?” and I don’t get many answers. I even try to generalize it, asking “Who’s your favorite Polynesian artist?”… The answer is always Dwayne The Rock Johnson. And although that representation is better than nothing, where are the others? My goal has always been to uplift myself and other artists who look like me, so they feel encouraged to follow their own dreams.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think of all the places I call home, San Francisco has to be at the top of the list. I like to call it my “city girl island”, especially because the city is near the water. I’ve always been attracted to the city environment, and can’t see myself anywhere else. My favorite spot in San Francisco is probably Pier 39. It’s definitely a tourist attraction, but I’ve always felt the most at peace on that dock. I love to watch all the ferries and boats glide on the ocean, while standing with my Dreyer’s ice cream. I love walking amongst all the tourists and vendors, adding color to the fog.
Another spot in the city is Mission Dolores Park, a place I went to with my college friends all the time. Whenever I go back, I’m reminded of the first years of college, and the freshness of that time. On a typical sunny Sunday, you’ll see the park filled with different age groups, laughing, playing, and just having a good time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s hard for me to choose one person, because all my life I’ve been constantly surrounded by support. From my two best friends Christian and Matthea, my manager Gardenia, my parents, two sisters Keilah and Sina, and the rest of my family. I also have Aunts, Uncles, and cousins who also support me, always keeping up with everything I do. It definitely takes a VILLAGE.

However, I am always guided by essence and spirits of my grandparents. I have two on Earth and two in heaven, all four of them leading me to my destiny. I will always lead with them in mind, hoping to make them proud with every step I take.

Website: teaelani.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teaelani/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJDqVuLqmL1pk2dEEu4MkFw

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teaelani?lang=en

Image Credits
Headshot photos by Patrick Tiu Stage photos by Gardenia Zuniga

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