Hafa adai (Hi!) blog,
*Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are my own.
There’s a variety of islander apparel vendors who set up their stands during events such as fiestas (parties), fundraisers, and concerts. However, this brand in particular, you have to hear about! It’s unique! Nesian Built (NB) is a fitness and lifestyle brand representing a unity of Pacific islander cultures. The company was founded by Mark Mafnas and AJ Allen from Micronesia, Guam and Saipan respectively.
Who does Nesian Built represent?
The concept of this brand was to represent all “Nesian” islands to include Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia of the Pacific ocean. There are so many Pacific islands that are under represented around the world. I know first hand being born on Guam, some people have no idea where it’s located or that it’s an island that exists. As generations pass, we’re holding onto our culture, values, and tradition,
Where is Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia located?
Micronesia is located in the West Pacific Ocean, east of the Phillippines and south of Japan. Polynesia is located within the North Pacific Ocean and west of the United States. Melanesia is located in the southwest Pacific Ocean and east of Australia.
Nesian Built Designs
Currently Nesian Built has three types of designs on their apparel and products. The first original design that was released with two palm trees. The second design, TEAM NESIAN BUILT (TNB) which has stunning tribal patterns within the letters. Lastly, the Rep Your Rootz (RYR) design which I’ve seen a combination of palm trees and the NB logo.
I purchased a Medium Nesian Built Active Tee in Black. I’m definitely a t-shirt and jeans kinda girl and I love the color black. The design of this particular t-shirt caught my eye. It’s simplistic and of course, as it says, I’m a “living product of the islands” if I might say so myself. This shirt is definitely going to be apart of my go to t-shirts. You would think that ordering a t-shirt is just that, but the material for this shirt is on a whole other level. It’s so soft!
I was estatic to get my hands on a newly released Women’s Core Crop Top Hoodie in Blush Pink. Shades of pink whether it be mauve, rose gold, blush are very trendy colors. This would be a great top to wear with leggings for working out or even as casual wear with regular leggings or jeans. The sweater pre-washed and the fabric is extremely soft. I ordered a size Large in Women’s, but I could’ve sized down to a Medium (there was a lot more room in the fabric).
Nesian Built Apparel, Accessories, & Other Products
Nesian Built has a variety of products on their catalog from t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops for both women and men. I’ve also spotted accessories such as backpacks, snap back hats, fanny packs, and other products such as sticker decals. Check out their website often for their latest product releases! Stock and quantities can vary.
Our Pacific Islander community is certainly a strong one! When you travel to destinations such as Hawaii, Guam, or Fiji, there is so much more to experience than tourism. Immerse yourself in our culture by supporting businesses that continue to represent our community. Nesian Built is bringing cultural awareness and representation for Pacific Islanders that still exist in many parts of the world today!
I honestly haven’t used a fanny pack in ages, but I had to have one of these bags! Fanny packs have certainly made a come back and this one is versatile! The black fabric is durable, there are two zipper compartments (one large compartment and a smaller one in the back), and my favorite feature is the elastic band made to hold your adjustment straps in place. I’ve used this bag during long walks and short trips. For a fanny pack, it expands to a nice size, but it isn’t too bulky to wear at all! Check out the NB Fanny Pack here!
NB recently released a nice selection of hats including snapbacks and caps. I have a thing for all black caps and I love simplicity. I often use one for working out and of course to keep my thick hair out of my face. This hat is comfortable to wear and designed well! NB has been great about keeping adjustment straps out of the way on their products. There is a neat place to keep your hat adjustment strap tucked in. I’m loving the simple design and it’s another great piece for working out or casual wear! This also comes in white w/ a black logo. Check out the NB Rep-It Cap here!
Helpful terms in this blog post:
Nesian (NEE-zhen): a term referring to a group of people and culture in from islands of the Pacific Ocean.
Nesia (NEE-shuh): term referring to island/s.
Micro-nesia: “Micro” meaning small
Poly-nesia: “Poly” meaning many.
Mela-nesia: “Mela” meaning black.
Follow Nesian Built here!
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